By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, has highly commended the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), for partnering with the Government of Ghana to improve living standards for Ghanaians living in both peri-urban and hard-to-reach communities.
According to him, the organisation had over the years played an important role in transforming lives, removing barriers, and igniting hope.
The Minister for the Interior gave commendation when addressing guests at a special cocktail reception held in Accra to mark the organisation’s 65 years of operations in Ghana.
Mr. Dery again expressed gratitude to CRS for working with the Ghana Refugee Board to assist Burkinabe refugees who fled violent extremism in their home country.
He said non-governmental organisations like Catholic Relief Services have worked tirelessly to change society, especially rural communities.
“As a Minister of State, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact that non-governmental organisations like CRS have on Ghanaian society. The tireless efforts of these organisations are the heartbeats of our communities, driving positive change and addressing felt needs with unwavering dedication. Today, we gather not just to commemorate the years gone by, but to celebrate the lives transformed, the barriers broken, and the hope ignited by the remarkable work of CRS,” Mr. Dery emphasised.
On her part, the Senior Vice President for Overseas Operations at CRS, Dr. Shannon Senefeld, explained that CRS as an organisation aims to contribute to a world where compassion, equity, and justice reign supreme and to continue to be a catalyst for transformational change and a beacon of hope for those in need.
“As we celebrate the accomplishments of the past, we must also embrace the opportunities of the present and the promise of the future. Our journey has not been without obstacles, but it is through our collective resilience and determination that we have made lasting impacts in the lives of countless people. From providing quality education to the underserved to empowering marginalised communities and institutions, CRS has left an indelible mark on the communities and institutions that we serve.
Tonight, we celebrate not just CRS, but a legacy of compassion in action. A legacy that has been built over these decades. We celebrate the dedicated staff who have poured their time and talents into our mission, the donors who have provided resources to support our work, the volunteers who have selflessly given of themselves, and the partners who have stood by our side, united in the pursuit of a better world,” she stated.
Dr. Senefeld maintained that in a world often fraught with division and uncertainty, CRS’ legacy is a testament to the power of unity and collective action. This, she said, should remind partners, the government, the staff of CRS, and the good people of Ghana that when they come together with a shared purpose, they can create ripples of change that extend far beyond their immediate reach.
“It is this legacy that propels us forward, guiding us as we continue to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time,” the Senior Vice President for Overseas Operations at CRS reiterated.
