The beautiful town of Nyafeku Ekroful in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District, the proud hometown of Cardinal Peter Kwodwo Appiah Turkson, is alive with jubilant anticipation over his potential election as the next Pope.
Nana Afrane VII, the Chief of the community, alongside his people and the Turkson Family, have pledged to hold a solemn vigil on the day of the papal conclave, a testament to their steadfast support and hope.
To Nana Afrane, Cardinal Turkson, the very embodiment of “humility and approachability,” could navigate the grandeur of the Vatican as he mingles in the vibrant markets of his hometown.
According to the Chief, Cardinal Turkson’s leadership style is a rare blend of African warmth and a global vision, earning him admiration that transcends Ghana’s borders and resonates across continents.
“This moment stirs immense local pride and signals a historic opportunity for the Catholic Church to embrace a new chapter of inclusivity and global unity under a leader who bridges tradition and modernity with grace,” he said. Sealed by prophecy
Nana Afrane told the Ghana News Agency from the heart of the family house of Ebiradze Clan, in a family of ten, that the destiny of Cardinal Turkson was sealed by prophecy even before his first breath.
A destiny that would one day elevate him to a throne of worldwide honour and reverence from the predominantly farming community of over 5,000 people.
Nana Afrane told GNA that in the1800s, a Roman Catholic missionary came to the community for his missionary endeavours and demanded the seat of the great-grandfather of Cardinal Turkson who had pioneered missionary work in the area.
The elder, frail but resolute, granted the request but warned with a powerful prophecy: “If you claim my chair today, remember that one day you will rise from it, only for someone from my family to take your place.”
This ancient prophecy, the foretold, the Chief noted, lingered on with the rising of a remarkable lineage, culminating in the remarkable achievements of Cardinal Turkson, whose life and service had echoed far beyond his homeland, embodying the fulfilment of that timeless promise. Carpenter’s son achievement
The community celebrates the achievements of a carpenter’s son, echoing the biblical narratives of Joseph and Noah.
Aside Cardinal Turkson, the vibrant community has become a cradle of academic geniuses, producing ten distinguished professors and doctors, including Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency.
When the GNA arrived in the community at about 0800 hours on Wednesday, sheets of rain swept across the village, but their hopes soared higher than ever.
The air crackled, and with a united hope, the chief, elders, and residents gathered with hearts swelling up in anticipation that their own “Vatican City,” will soon welcome Cardinal Turkson.
From playful children in the rains to people of every faith, residents saw Cardinal Turkson’s potential to rise as a beacon of hope to ascend to the seat as the first African Pope in over 1,500 years.
Along the short path from his father’s house to his mother’s, the village pulsed with the rhythms of prayer, song, and joyful anticipation. Maternal brother
From a journey rooted in humble beginnings, Mr Gabriel Mensah said Cardinal Turkson was born on October 11, 1948, in Wassa Nsuta in the Western Region to a family rich in faith and perseverance.
Both parents came from Nyafeku Ekroful in the Central Region, where he was raised.
The Cardinal is a true indigene of the town.
Mr Mensah pointed to a blue painted door to the room, which used to belong to Cardinal Turkson’s mother, Obaapayin Aba Dansoa and described the Cardinal as an affable and determined person of faith.
“The family supports his new endeavour, and we pray favourably for his heart’s desires,” he said.
According to him, Cardinal Turskon’s mother, a Methodist, sold vegetables in the market, while his Catholic father worked as a carpenter.
A Muslim woman who prefers to be called Hajia said: “In this historic moment, the excitement is palpable not just within Catholic circles but across faiths.
“Cardinal Turkson’s potential election is a unison desire of all, including Muslims and many others who believe in a world where diverse beliefs can find common ground at the highest levels of spiritual leadership.”
For Mr Emmanuel Donkoh, a member of the second-oldest church in the town, the Methodist Church, he said “Ghana’s flag will fly high if Cardinal Turkson is chosen, praising his humility and global outlook.” Interfaith upbringing
This interfaith upbringing shaped Cardinal Turkson’s inclusive outlook with deep empathy for all.
From the humble classrooms of St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary to advanced theological studies in New York and Rome, Cardinal Turkson’s journey was marked by intellectual rigour and unwavering faith.
Ordained as a priest in 1975, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 and Ghana’s first cardinal in 2003.
Cardinal Turkson’s influence reaches far beyond Ghana as he served as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and currently holds the prestigious role of Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican.
The Cardinal’s legacy shines brightly through the establishment of a TVET complex, as a powerful symbol of his unwavering dedication to unlocking education and opportunities for generations to come.
By championing TVET, he has paved a transformative path for the youth, equipping them with practical skills that meet the demands of today’s dynamic job market.
Beyond bricks and mortar, his tireless mentoring and coaching have inspired countless individuals to realize their potential, creating a ripple effect of hope, innovation, and prosperity that will endure for decades to come.
GNA
