Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, the Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), has expressed the commitment to work towards peace and justice on the continent as he prepares to begin a new life as the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. At a send-off dinner organised by the NPC at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Cardinal Turkson said in furtherance of that commitment, he would identify personalities who are into justice and peace on the continent to work together to achieve his objective. He noted that justice and peace were critical to the development of society, saying that his new appointment was another opportunity to serve humanity. The send-off dinner was attended by the clergy, leaders of political parties, academicians, media, representatives from civil society, peace ambassadors, among others. Reflecting on his work on the NPC, Cardinal Turkson said “we tried to do what we thought we had been put together to do to safeguard the peace of the country.” “It’s been great working with all the members.” Cardinal Turkson stated that once the 2008 elections were over, it was time to commit time and energy to address other issues and conflicts. The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Dr Kwesi Akyem Apea-Kubi, lauded Cardinal Turkson for his commitment to the promotion of peace and also for the high level humility he had demonstrated. He noted that cardinal Turkson had been particular about the budget for the National Peace Council and said his concerns had been addressed in the 2010 budget. He wished him success in his new assignment. A member of the National Peace Council, Professor Irene Odotei, said in as much as the day was a great day because of the appointment of Cardinal Turkson to the position, it was also a sad day, because he was bidding farewell to the council. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor C.N.B. Tagoe, recounted the university’s association with the Cardinal, and said the university benefited from his wise counsel during his days as a member of the University Council. He said Cardinal Turkson’s wise counsel on how to make difficult choices had been helpful. The MP for Ningo Prampram and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Mr E.T. Mensah, expressed the hope that Cardinal Turkson was going to shine in his new assignment. Source: Daily Graphic/Ghana