The National Peace Council recently joined the faithful of the Our Lady of Annunciation (OLA) Cathedral in Tamale to celebrate the life, service and dedication of the Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah to peacebuilding in Ghana with a thanksgiving Mass.

The thanksgiving Mass was to celebrate the 60th birthday of Fr Thaddeus, marking the end of an impactful 21-year tenure as Northern Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Dr. George Amoh, who described Fr. Kuusah as a “colossus” praised the outgoing Northern Regional Executive Secretary for the significant contributions he made in peacebuilding in the region over years.

“Fr. Fr. Kuusah has been a great leader,” Dr. Amoh said, highlighting his vast experience and mentorship to many. “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 equally acknowledged Fr. Kuusah’s role in promoting peace in the region, citing his involvement in resolving conflicts in 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 us with his life”.

“If you go through the conflicts in Bawku, Bimbilla, Chereponi and Saboba, you will find his footprints heavily established and on behalf of all peace builders in this country, I want to say we are grateful to you”.

In homily at the well-attended thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Aapengnuo, Chief of Party, Coginta Ghana, eulogised Fr. Kuusah for dedicating his life to the service of God, peace and humanity.

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, also paid glowing tribute to Fr. Kuusah, calling him an “epitome of peace” and an “illustrious son of Ghana.” Despite reaching retirement age, the Minister 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 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.

The Public Relations Officer, National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NUGCDPA), 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, Fr. 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,” he stated. 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.

IMPACT

Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah’s 21-year tenure at the National Peace Council has made a lasting impact on conflict prevention, promoting dialogue to manage and resolve conflicts and enhance peacebuilding strides in the Northern Region.

He brings a lot of expertise Catholic Priest 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, as the Administrator of OLA Cathedral and President of the NUGCDPA. His legacy as a champion of peace would deeply be missed by stakeholders in peacebuilding.

The celebration served as a recognition of Fr. Kuusah’s remarkable legacy and his continued commitment to promoting peace.