As part of activities to mark their 46th Annual General Meeting at Tamale, in the Northern part of Ghana, Vocations Directors from across the Dioceses and Religious Congregations in Ghana, had an excursion to the late Cardinal Derry’s Memorial Centre, Tamale, among other places.
They were received during the February 14, 2026 tour at the Memorial Centre, which happened to have been the Cardinal’s residence, while he was still alive, by Madam Judith Gyereh, who once worked for His Emminence.
According to Madam Gyereh, whose biological father also served the late Cardinal as driver, Cardinal Derry had a great passion for people. This, she said explains why the walls of the house were filled with photos of people, which the Cardinal took at different times during their visits and framed to keep as memories of them in his house.
Sharing more fond memories of the late Cardinal Derry, the former staff described him as “a very generous person,” who, driven by his passion for people, took care of a lot of them, especially women. “He was passionate about women’s education,” she testified, adding that non-Christians too were his great friends, as he always tried to bring them close.
She further disclosed that the late Cardinal’s residence was at the moment inhabited by two Priests, who were unavoidable absent during the visit. She added that the Centre is always open and that people come there from time-to-time to pray and to move around.
She further remarked that the monument of the late Cardinal which could be sighted right at the centre of the living room, was mounted at the exact position where he used to sit to attend to visitors, during his earthly life.
It was an exciting moment for the Vocations Directors as they moved around the different corners of the house, admiring especially personal items that the late Cardinal used, including his vestments, the photos on the wall, among others. They were also fascinated by his monument, sitting in the living room, which was evidently a true replica of himself, while he lived.
The Vocations Promoters made a stop-over visit to Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Cathedral, Tamale where the mortal remains of Cardinal Derry rest. They also visited and had a tour around the Red Clay Studio; the handiwork of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, a young and renowned Ghanaian visual artist.
The Annual National Meeting for Vocations Directors which took place at the Centre for Pastoral Formation, Tamale ran from February 12 to 16, 2026.
Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho (Participant and Sister Communicator).
