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In 1975, the Holy Rosary Sisters opened their first mission in Ghana. Two sisters were assigned to the Sunyani Diocese to work with the Ministry of Health and to open a secretarial college. Only two other congregations of sisters served in the vast diocese. Illness and a bureaucratic breakdown marked the first months. A military coup later interrupted their work in 1979. Goods were scarce: when a new house opened in 1982, it was nearly impossible to find plates and spoons; supplies were finally found in Togoland, 100 miles away! But work began immediately: health care, education, and, as more sisters arrived, catechetics and pastoral work. The sisters added programs for handicapped children, RCIA, leadership training, and Basic Christian Communities that laid the foundation of the flourishing Catholic community that exists today. In 1987, a sister who had trained in Clinical Pastoral Care started a pastoral health care program in a diocesan mission hospital. Within seven years, the program expanded to diocesan and national levels, with training courses for hospital chaplains throughout Ghana. AIDS ministries developed to train counselors and run HIV/AIDS workshops. Holy Rosary Sisters worked in Sunyani Diocese until 1994. Then, as other religious communities entered the area, the Holy Rosary Sisters moved to Kumasi Diocese; the health ministries continued to develop, including a rehabilitation program for malnourished children and a vocational school to provide young women with employment skills. The following year, the diocese was divided and the sisters found themselves in the new Diocese of Obuasi, which mainly covers the southern part of Ashanti Region. It is indeed challenging to be part of the development plan for this rural diocese.
Today … Sisters Anne and Beatrice run a vocational training center for young women. Many were unable to continue education after completing primary school or junior secondary school, due to limited academic ability or finances. The center provides employment skills, so that the young women can obtain jobs or set up their own small business, such as hairdressing, dressmaking, or catering. Some former students, after working and saving for a while, continue studies at a Polytechnic College. Sr. Beatrice also works with many parish activities, including a small popular lending library. She is a member of the diocesan Vocation Team that fosters vocations among young Ghanaian men and women. Sr. Anne also does pastoral ministry in a neighboring village, which she finds enriching. Sr. Rose is in charge of Children’s Ward at St. Michael’s Mission hospital and coordinates a nutrition program for severely malnourished children. Approximately 30% of children in Ghana are malnourished; many are HIV positive. Soon the nutrition program will be expanded. She also coordinates Breast Feeding Support Groups in the surrounding communities, a component of the Baby Friendly initiative at the hospital, in conjunction with UNICEF, WHO, and the Ministry of Health. Volunteers are trained to teach the principles of breast-feeding to parents at hospital clinics, in the community, and at home visitations.
Over the years, Ghana has endured political upheavals, troubled times, and a poor economy. Through it all the people have shown a marvelous resilience and enduring spirit. Ghanaians have a rich and ancient culture of which they are proud; they are noted for their hospitality and their gentle, friendly ways. As Holy Rosary Sisters, we have been blessed in experiencing and sharing these values in the course of our missionary service.
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