BY:Â Benjamin Owusu | Voltaonlinegh.com |
Christians in the Nkwanta South municipality of the Oti region joined their counterparts worldwide to celebrate Palm Sunday, under strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
The day which was in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, days before His crucifixion, until the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, has been a major Christian celebration, with believers embarking on mega street processions with palm fronds.
These scenes were however missing in this year’s celebration, due to restrictions on mass gathering activities as a result of the pandemic.
A visit by this reporter to Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church and Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), all in Nkwanta South, revealed that, although church services were held to commemorate the day, measures were put in place to ensure the wearing of face masks and other safety protocols were observed by members to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Emil Kandah, entreated Christians not to panic but to use this period to continue to do good to one another through “Christ’ who strengthened mankind.
He said the COVID-19 virus has come to stay and as such, Ghanaians must continue to observe the safety protocols as it was the only way to prevent spread of the virus.
He also encouraged residents in the area to embrace the vaccination exercise when made available to them in the region.
 Presbyter John Melebor of the E.P Church, acknowledged the adverse impact of the pandemic on religious activities since last year but indicated that, the church has put in place strict measures to ensure members adhere to especially, wearing of face masks and others protocol to avert the spread of the virus.
He also reminded church members to continue to observe the protocols and get vaccinated when the exercise starts in the area.
Some church members who spoke to Volta Online used the occasion to wish their families happy Easter in advance and also assured to get themselves vaccinated against the virus.
Palm Sunday, is the last Sunday of Lent and the beginning of the Holy Week, which is climax with the celebration of Easter.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
