The formal opening and dedication of Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child Jesus at Mpeasem, Cape Coast, Ghana took place on the 24th of September, 2016.

The ceremony started at 9.00 am with the Holy Eucharist. The main presider was His Grace, Most. Rev. Matthias Kobina Nketsiah, assisted by the Community Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Francis Acquah Sagoe, Fr. Myers and Fr Cornelius Dery.

The entrance procession was led by Holy Child High School (HCS) Regimental Band in their full Regalia. They were supported by the HCS Choir.

The CCSHCJ pupils took the readings, bidding prayers and offertory procession. The liturgy was very lively.

There was heavy rainfall towards the end of the Mass. The tape was cut and the plaque blessed and unveiled.

All the rooms were blessed by Archbishop K. Nketsiah, accompanied by the officiating priests, the Province Leader of the Sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Sr. Philomena Aidoo and her team member for Ghana Sr. Martha Attakruh.

Also in the entourage was the supervisor of the project, Sr. Alberta Bonle, Sr. Louisa Huni-Dadzie the headmistress, Sr. Clementina Ashibuogwu, Mr. Swanzy Krah the builder, Mrs. Sally Honey the Chair person and Mrs. Sarah Bucknor NPP Candidate for Cape Coast North. Mr. Derkyi Kwarteng, PTA Chairman and Mr. Bronyah the PRO of PTA made up the group.

After the blessing, the Archbishop gave His message and left.

Part 3 of the function began with the introduction of the chairperson Mrs. Sally Honny (a Hopsan) and her supporters.

This was followed by chairman’s response, the school anthem sang by the children with the help of the choir; welcome address by the Headmistress, Sr. Louisa Huni-Dadzie and a speech by the Province Leader – Sr. Philomena Aidoo.

Then there were performances by the children in Nursery 2, KG 1 & 2. Primary 2, 3 and 4.

 

This was followed by cultural display and appeal for funds. The statues of the Holy child Jesus and Cornelia Connelly donated by the Contractor were unveiled.

The cake was cut by the Province Leader Sr. Philomena Aidoo, Sr. Clementina Ashibuogwu the oldest SHCJ present, Sr. Felicity Amikiya the 1st Headmistress of the school. They were assisted by the chairperson Mrs. Sally Honny and Mrs. Sarah Bucknor.

This was followed by the chair person’s closing remarks, vote of thanks by Sr. Martha Attakruh, the closing prayer by Fr. Cornelius Dery and the final benediction by Fr. Acquah Sagoe. Refreshments followed immediately. PTA provided food for everyone, a parent provided bottled water. The school provided drinks for the children and food for our special guests and sponsors. The day ended at 3.00 p.m.

Our special guests included the Chief of Kakumdo, the Headmistress of the Holy Child High School – Sr. Josephine Anto, the Principal of Holy Child College Takoradi – Mrs. Lemaire; the Contractor Mr. Swanzy Krah and his assistant on site, Mr. Swanzy Krah Jr., priests and religious and other dignitaries.

The MC at Mass was Sr. Gertrude Denkabe SHCJ, she was joined after Mass by Nana Fobih Donkor, a parent. He also did the fund raising.

The day went very well and we all enjoyed ourselves.