SOD-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE HDR 70TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY PROJECT

On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer (HDR), Accra, held a colourful sod-cutting ceremony at New Legon, a suburb of Adenta, to mark the commencement of their legacy project for the 70th anniversary, marking their 69th year of existence.

In her welcome address, the Superior General of HDR, Sr. Paula Nkansah Otchere, expressed joy and gratitude to God and all individuals whose support had made the project possible. The ceremony was graced by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Cudjoe, who represented the Archbishop, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp.

Fr. Cudjoe prayed the rites of blessing over the land in the presence of HDR Sisters, representatives of Brics and Batch Ltd., the contractor for the project, and other guests. He noted that the day coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a celebration dedicated to consecrated life.

During the ceremony, Fr. Cudjoe prayed the Psalms, cut the tape to the site, committed the project and all workers into God’s care, and blessed the sponsors for their generosity. He then sprinkled holy water over the land as participants joyfully processed onto the site with songs of praise. The sod-cutting was formally carried out by the Superior General, members of the Planning Committee, the landlady, and Fr. Cudjoe.

Highlighting the significance of the gathering, Sr. Dr. Mary Assumpta Ayikue gave a brief overview of the HDR 70th Anniversary celebrations, emphasizing the construction of a new convent that will serve as a place of worship and learning.

Mr. Anthony Nnihene, representing Brics and Batch Ltd., officially received the land documents and building sketches from the HDR Sisters, marking the commencement of construction on February 2, 2026—the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Day of Consecrated Life.

The Vice Superior General and Chairperson of the 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Sr. Regina Ignatia Elorm Aflah, encouraged the contractors to work diligently toward completing the project within two years, assuring them of the Sisters’ prayers. Mr. Nnihene expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to deliver the project to expectations.

The ceremony concluded with words of appreciation from Sr. Lucy Sasu, Secretary of the 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, who thanked all supporters of the new building project.

Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra