The Ola Catholic Cathedral Church in Tamale was filled with emotions and excitement as Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah celebrated his 60th birthday, marking the end of his 21-year tenure as Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council for the Northern Region.
The church was packed with patrons, members of the National Peace Council, stakeholders, family, and friends who came to honor this remarkable individual.
The Homily for the Diamond jubilee celebration, which was said by the Chief of Party, Coginta Ghana, Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Aapengnuo, eulogised Rev. Fr. Kuusah for dedicating his life to the service of God, peace and humanity.
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Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah’s 21-year tenure at the National Peace Council has made a lasting impact on the Northern Region.
His exceptional mediation and peace building skills have earned recognition from notable figures, including the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Na Abukari Mahama. As he steps down, he will focus on his spiritual role, serving as the administrator of OLA Catholic Church and President of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association. His legacy as a champion of peace would be deeply missed by stakeholders in peacebuilding.
Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Dr. George Amoh, praised Fr. Kuusah as a “colossus” and a servant leader who has made significant contributions to peace in the region. He highlighted Fr. Kuusah’s vast experience and mentorship, noting that many have benefited from his leadership.
“Fr. Thaddeus has been a great leader,” Dr. Amoh said. “I met him in 2013 when I assumed office at the National Peace Council. Fr. Thaddeus has so many things to express. Indeed, there are people who have been mentored from near and far”.
Dr. Amoh also acknowledged Fr. Kuusah’s role in promoting peace in the region, citing his involvement in resolving conflicts in Bawku, Bimbilla, Chereponi, Saboba, and other areas. “Indeed the best of the National Peace Council cannot be told without the mention of Rev. Fr. Kuusah and we want to thank the womb from which God blessed”
The conflicts in Bawku, Bimbilla, Chereponi and Saboba, if you go through them you would find his footprints heavily established and on behalf of all peace builders in this country, I want to say we are grateful to you”.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, also paid tribute to Fr. Kuusah, calling him an “epitome of peace” and an “illustrious son of Ghana.” Despite reaching retirement age, Minister Adolf expressed his intention to utilize Fr. Kuusah’s expertise stating, “I will get the boots that you used to wear to start walking again.”
Mr..Ali highlighted the challenges he has faced as a Regional Minister, including conflicts in various parts of the region. “As I stand here, we have deployed over 100 police, over 20 military in Zabzugu,” he said. “So if I am confronted with these problems, I don’t think it will be reasonable enough to allow for a 30-year silence.”
Public Relations Officer, National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Associations, Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe, extended congratulations to Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah on behalf of the union. He fondly recalled a remarkable instance where Rev. Kuusah played a pivotal role in mobilizing GH₵ 100,000 to support a young girl’s life-saving plastic surgery. “Fr. Thaddeus we wish you many more years and may the year ahead be the best you have ever experienced”.
In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah thanked everyone who attended his 60th birthday celebration, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement and support among individuals in their various roles.
“In our respective ministries, it is not a competition, it is sharing our diverse talents for the benefits of the people we serve”
Rev. Fr. Kuusah also extended his appreciation to the management and staff of the National Peace Council and other stakeholders for the support he received working as a peace builder.
Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah’s dedication to peace building has left a lasting impact on the region. As Executive Secretary of NPC, Dr. Amoh noted, “The best of the Peace Council cannot be told without the mention of the Very Reverend Fr. Kuusah.
The celebration served as a recognition of Fr. Kuusah’s remarkable legacy and his continued commitment to promoting peace.
One Response
He was blessed from the womb to do this job ever since I met Father T as he’s lovingly called in the parish in NYC he always displayed a sense of calmness and peace, may God continue to bless him and continue to give him the wisdom to continue serving his people