Ghana’s first Cardinal Peter Kojo Appiah Turkson, who has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as President of the Pontifical Peace and Justice Council in Rome, has received a rapturous welcome on his return to Cape Coast, his hometown.
He was met by a large crowd, who cheered him on as he drove through the principal streets of Cape Coast, bringing traffic to a halt as people danced to brass band music.
Turkson mounted his vehicle while police motors escorted him to the Cape Coast Palace, where he was received at Obama Hall, a hall named after US President Barack Obama after he visited the same venue in July this year.
Cardinal Turkson was welcomed by the Paramount Chief of Cape Coast, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II and his chiefs.
Atta II commended Cardinal Turkson on his elevation, presented him with a palm front to signify his victory and poured powder on his hands as a sign of commendation from the people of the area.
He expressed the hope that Cardinal Turkson will become the first African Pope.
For his part, Cardinal Turkson was short of words to describe how he felt at the warm reception accorded him and thanked the chiefs for their support.
He said prayers for the chiefs and people of Cape Coast after which he drove to administer Mass at the Cape Coast Catholic Cathedral.
Cardinal Turkson was ordained first Ghanaian Cardinal in 2003 and has since assumed important roles in Ghana as well as the church in Africa.
Source African Press Agency
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