Today, 12^th August 2024, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu S.V.D, Catholic Bishop of Ho Diocese and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishop's Conference, has been appointed Chairperson of the Volta Regional Media Advisory Committee. The seven-member committee was formed to ensure journalists' safety, before, during, and after the election period, and will address media concerns, settle disputes, promote responsibility, and combat misinformation.

Other members include Bruce Senam McBrain, Deputy Regional Manager, Methodist Education Unit (Coordinating Member), Dr. George Mawusi Afeti, former Rector of Ho Polytechnic, Ms. Yaa Opuni Amankwa, Registrar, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Mr. Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi, Former Volta Regional Chairman, Ghana Journalists Association, Andrews Dodzi Adugu, Esq., Senior State Attorney & Mr. Nenorla Kwashie Gidiglo, Retired Educationist.

Mr. George Sarpong, the Executive secretary of the Ghana Media Commission gave the purpose of the gathering stating that this advisory committee is geared towards promoting peace before during, and after the election in the Volta Region.

Chief Harry Chrystal, a member of the Ghana Media Commission spoke about how Artificial intelligence has become the order of the day and how it can influence the electoral processes both, negatively and positively. He therefore called on all to be vigilant.

Mr. Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo, Chairman of the National Media Commission, swore in the committee members and emphasized the importance of verifying information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation. He urged journalists to conduct thorough research and challenge unsubstantiated claims, especially as the December General Elections approach. He warns the journalist about fake news citing several examples. He called on all and sundry to combat fake news by carrying factual, accurate information. He added that whenever we receive information we should kindly check the source. He said that yes we have freedom of speech but every freedom comes with a responsibility.

Bishop Fianu stated that the committee will promote a free, independent, and responsible media landscape by educating media practitioners and citizens on maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections. He emphasized that Ghana is the only country we have, and anything we do to disturb the peace will hurt citizens. He called on media practitioners to be circumspect in their reportage and objective.

Bishop further stressed the importance of peaceful reporting and urged media practitioners to work closely with the committee to preserve the region's tranquility. He also appealed for more support from the Ghana Media Commission

Rev. Fr. Samuel Eco Kornu, Director of Social Communications, Ho Diocese, stated that the Catholic Church is collaborating with other religious groups to promote peace throughout the electoral period. He called on all lay faithful to collaborate with church leaders to contribute positively to the peace enjoyed in the region and the country. He appealed to media practitioners to be guided by journalistic ethics and avoid hate speech on the media landscape.

A Brief Biography of the Late Rev. Ted Kofitse

as published in Legacy.com by Charles F. Oteri and Son-Franklin

Funeral Home - Franklin on Jun. 21, 2024.

Rev. Ted Kofitse 75, of Franklin, passed away unexpectedly at his home Monday, June 17, 2024. Rev. Fr. Ted Kofitse was born in Ghana on 17th November, 1948 to the late Mr. Philip Kofi Kofitse and Madam Grace Abena Kango, both of blessed memory. He was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church.

He was the third in line of eight siblings. He received his Primary Education at Gbi-Kledzo United Primary School and his Middle School Education at Gbi-Atabu Roman Catholic Middle School. After successfully passing the Common Entrance Examination, he gained admission to Mawuli Secondary School at Ho where he obtained his 'Ordinary Level Certificate' after five years. He proceeded to Axim (Nsein) Secondary School for a Two Year 'Advanced Level Certificate'

To enable him to pursue his vision to serve God, he went to the Major Seminary, Pedu, at Cape Coast in Ghana after which he was ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest on 22nd December, 1984. As a Priest, he did a one-year Pastoral Course in the Republic of Malta and later undertook a program in Clinical Pastoral Education at St Elizabeth Hospital, Brighton, Massachusetts in the year 2002.

Before entering the Priesthood, he worked in the Labour Department in Ghana, and later as a lay teacher at Nkwanta Secondary School. After his ordination, he served as a Youth Chaplain at the Minor Seminary Lolobi and also at Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Secondary School, all in the Keta-Ho Diocese. He was later posted to the Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital at Kpando as Chaplain.

After training in 'Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Brighton, Massachusetts, Fr. Ted worked variously at St Mary's Catholic Church, Franklin, MA, at Hanover, and later at Saugus Catholic Churches respectively.
His interests included; Christian Drama, the writing of short plays, and poetry reading.
As we bid Rev. Fr. Ted Kofitse farewell, we take comfort in the knowledge that his soul has found a resting place in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom he served with an unwavering faith until his last breath on Earth.
Fr. Ted is survived by his siblings, Simon K. Kofitse, Alec Kofitse both of Franklin, Alphonse Kofitse, Rev. Sr. Bernadette Kofitse, Emmanuel Kofitse, Celestine Kofitse and Stella Kofitse all of Ghana. He also leaves extended family, and many friends in the Diocese of Boston and Ghana.

Fr. Ted's funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, July 3rd, in St. Mary's Church1 Church Square, Franklin at 9 AM. 

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Ho will hold a memorial mass for the peaceful repose of his soul at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Ho Bankoe on 14th August 2024 at 9:00 am.

TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF REV. FR. TED KOFITSE
BY HO CATHOLIC DIOCESAN PRIESTS` ASSOCIATION

23RD JUNE 2024

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” (Thucydides) Ho Catholic Diocesan Priests` Association (HOCDPA) received the news of the demise of our brother VRev. Fr. Ted Kofitse with sadness. The reality of death, with all its pain and sense of loss, confronts us at this moment. We sense that in losing him, we have lost not only a servant of God but also his unique way of manifesting God. We feel the emptiness of his departure.

EDUCATION
Fr. Ted entered St. Peter`s Regional Seminary, Cape Coast in 1978 where he pursued his philosophical and theological studies and was ordained on the 22nd of December 1984. This year is exactly 40 Years of his Priestly anniversary. He generously offered his life and faithfully served the Church for these 40 years. Many of us expected him to return to his home Diocese so that we could join him in celebrating his 40th anniversary.

APPOINTMENTS IN HO DIOCESE - GHANA
1984 - 1985 appointed the Youth Chaplain of the then Keta-Ho Diocese (Ghana)
1985 - 1987 Appointed teacher and chaplain of St. Mary`s Minor Seminary, Lolobi
1987 - 1988 studied at the Institute of St. Anselm in Kent, England – in Human Growth and Development.
1988 – 1995 Appointed teacher and chaplain of OLA Girls Secondary School, Ho
1995 transferred to Bishop Herman College, Kpando as a teacher/Chaplain
1996 – 2002 Served as Chaplain of Margaret Marquart Catholic Hospital, Kpando.

PERSONALITY
Fr. Ted had a generous heart and smiled a lot but could be very serious when the occasion demanded. What stands out about him is his fidelity to prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament. He was prayerful and a person of deep faith. His
willingness to abandon himself to the Lord and wait on the Lord were great lessons he passed on by example. He was a person who spoke out frankly about issues without fear or favor. He kept hidden from nearly everyone the pains he endured when he was sick.

His leadership qualities and charismatic personality were readily apparent. He did not stride the world stage in any shape or form looking for fame or prestige. He led a life of simplicity as a priest. At heart, he was a simple person who totally gave his life to the service of the weak, the poor, and the sick in a commitment of indescribable proportions. He possessed the charism of healing and ministering to others and a profound love and concern for everyone who encountered him. He was endowed with qualities such as patience, understanding, commitment, and the preparedness to advise others, especially his brother priests. He was kindhearted, jovial, and pleasant to associate with.

We thank the Lord for his life of dedication and commitment as a priest. We have lost a pastor who was very simple and humble in his dealings with others. We have lost a teacher and a hospital chaplain who has imparted and enriched the lives of many people. The best tribute to the memory of our departed brother is to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
May he rest in perfect peace.

We invite all of you to come and mourn with us as we pray for the peaceful rest of his gentle soul.