HANDING OVER REPORT BY THE ACCRA WEST REGIONAL GRAND-KNIGHT, BY W/Bro YAW OSEI-POKU.

On July 28th, 2012, I took over the leadership of Accra West Regional Council of the Noble Order of Knights of Marshall. Thus, becoming the second (2nd) Regional Grand Knight at a colourful ceremony at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Dansoman, Accra.

1.1 OPENING OF NEW COUNCIL

Barely a year later, on July 6, 2013, under my leadership and supervision, was a new council (109) inaugurated.  Council 109 was consecrated at a special Regional Council meeting held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, New Apraku, to increase our number to five councils. Also a junior council and court were consecrated at Pokuase on Sat. April 26th, 2014.

1.2 ELEVATION OF OFFICERS

The Regional Council also under my leadership witnessed several elevations. With the support of the immediate past Supreme Knight, Sir Kt. Derx Baffour, whom I owe much gratitude, thirty-four brothers were elevated to the higher office of Honorary Past Regional Grand-Knights, in November, 2012 and also in October, 2013 during two special regional conferences on both occasions. Several Honorary Past Grand-Knights were also elevated at various councils. The last of the elevations during my reign as Regional Grand-Knight took place in Sekondi where twenty-three senior brothers were elevated to the rank of Honorary Past Supreme Knights.

1.3 EXCURSION (VISIT)

The region also organized a very very successful pilgrimage for  41 brothers and sisters to La Cote d’Ivoire as part of my programme during my two year reign as Regional Grand-Knight. We visited very interesting and spiritual places like Yamoussoukro Basilica. During the visit, the Regional Grand-Knight W/Bro Yaw Osei-Poku led a delegation of some senior officers including W/Bro Amoako-Arhen, Deputy Supreme Knight, R/L Sister Ayikwei Kwofie RNL, R/L Sis Elizabeth Anderson Yeboah G. Adv. etc., and had very fruitful discussions about the future opening of a council and court in La Cote d’Ivoire with the Cathedral Administrator of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The pilgrims attended a thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, 9th March, 2014 in full Regalia at the Cathedral, and were officially introduced to the congregation after the Mass by the Cathedral Administrator. After DSK had explained to the parishioners what the Noble Order stands for, a donation of hundred thousand (100,000) CFA was donated to the church on behave of the Noble Order.   Seventeen parishioners expressed interest and wrote their names to become members. The list and detailed report has been sent to the Supreme Council for action to be taken.

We also paid a courtesy call to the Acting Head of Mission, Hon. Bons A. Abambora. The Head of Mission and his staff gave us a rousing welcome. Earlier on, he detailed a diplomatic car to meet us at Elubo border and led us all the way to wherever we went in La Cote d’Ivoire. Because of the successful nature of the pilgrimage, the Region has decided to make it a biennial affair.

1.4 VISITS TO COUNCILS

The Regional Grand-Knight, W/Bro Yaw Osei-Poku and his team visited all the councils within his jurisdiction twice during his term of office.

During these visits, brothers were encouraged to remain committed to the Noble Order and also explained some Supreme Council decisions by Standing Committee.

1.5 AWARDS

As a result of these visits and explanations, Council 48 won the Best Council Award, 2013 and Council 108, Pokuase were adjudged the best council in Lower Degree examination conducted nationwide.

1.6 FEAST DAYS

In order to foster unity amongst brothers and sisters within the region, I ensured that feasts days namely, Founder’s Day, Sir James Marshall Day were celebrated at the Regional level.

Sir James Marshall Day for the year 2013 was celebrated at the St. George’s Catholic Church, Police Depot at Tesano, Accra .  An appeal for fund was made by the parish to purchase pews. An Amount of Six Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC. 6000) was raised to purchase five pews. The   pews were presented to the parish by a delegation led by the Deputy Regional Grand Knight Bro. Peter Wireko at the latter part of the year 2013

The region also Celebrated Founders day -2013 and Sir James Marshall Day 2014 at   New Aplaku and Pokuase respectively.   Brother and sisters attended in their numbers.

1.7 COMMITTEE OF REGIONAL GRAND-KNIGHTS AND NOBLE LADIES

As chairman of the committee of Regional Grand-Knights and Noble Ladies, I performed my duties satisfactorily   during my two year term. My colleague Regional Grand-Knights present will attest to the fact.

We are so united and have agreed to be present and participate in the Regional Conferences of each Region.  Consequently have agreed and schedule have our Regional Conferences a week interval from one another.

The committee chaired by W/Bro Yaw Osei-Poku is also planning to organize our own Re-union Conference amongst the three regions in Greater Accra next year, on occasion of our 5th anniversary after the re-organization.

A planning committee headed by Bro Kingsford Arthur, the incoming Regional Grand-Knight of Accra East who will take over the  me  chairmanship position. The re-union will give us the opportunity to discuss issue concerning the three regions, know ourselves, socialize and also network.

1.8 PURCHASE OF GENERATOR

The Supreme Council, led by the Supreme Knight, have heard about  my exploits and have  therefore appointed the Regional Grand-Knight, W/Bro Yaw Osei-Poku, to co-ordinate all Regional Grand-Knights nationwide to help raise an amount of sixty five thousand Ghana cedis  (GHC65000)  for the purchase of a generator-plant for the Supreme Secretariat in Sekondi, a task I will need every brother’s support and contribution.

1.9 CONCLUSION

Finally, I want to thank all my advisors who have in various ways guided me and the regional team especially my deputy W/Bro Peter Wireko, who was a real pillar behind me.

To Council 108, Pokuase, I say thank you very much for the honour bestowed upon me during the recent Sir James Marshall Feast Day. I cherish and appreciate your present and the citation that came with it. Though I have left the seat, I shall be visiting you from time to time during your council meetings and also monitor your progress.

Whatever assistance I can offer   as a member of the Regional Cabinet to help any council, I will do so for the good of the order. I thank you all for the opportunity offered me to serve you and may the Good Lord richly bless us all.