Catholic Legislators in Ghana can now consider themselves members of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) following the inauguration of the Ghana chapter of the network led by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Bekwai, Joseph Osei-Owusu on Wednesday, August 2.
The Ghanaian MPs say the network symbolizes unity and moral integrity.
Other members of the executive committee are Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Vice Chairman), Second Deputy Speaker and MP for Fomena; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (Secretary), Techiman North MP; Vincent Oppong Asamoah (Organiser), Dormaa West MP; and Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa.
Speaking at the inauguration at Parliament’s Job 600 Office Complex in Accra, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin highlighted the importance of supporting Catholic and other Christian leaders in public office, guiding them to integrate their faith teachings while carrying out their duties with love and integrity.
“We will actively support Catholic and other Christians in elected office, along with all members in public service, in integrating the teachings of our faith as we discharge our duties, doing small things with great love,” he said.

“These are challenging times, where faith often finds itself in the crosshairs of societal change. We live in an age where the lines between right and wrong, moral and immoral. ethical and unethical, are continually blurred. Our mission here is clear, but the path is fraught with challenges. It requires courage, wisdom, and an unyielding commitment to our faith and values,” he added.
President of the GCBC, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, said Parliament’s policies and roles, particularly the oversight responsibility over the Executive and enacting good laws for the common good rather than self-interest, must be solidified in order to achieve the peace and development that Ghana seeks.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference Most Rev. Gyamfi said, “Looking at the events happening all around us shows clearly that all is not well and the peace we seek seems to be eluding us. The happenings in South Sudan, Niger and the Sahelian Region to mention but few, demonstrate that the people are disillusioned, disappointed, frustrated and have lost faith, trust and confidence in the governance system of their countries and Ghana is not an exception.”
The International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) is an organization that brings together Catholic legislators from around the world to foster dialogue, collaboration, and the promotion of Catholic social teaching within the realm of public policy and legislation. The network aims to provide a platform for Catholic lawmakers to discuss and address various societal and ethical issues from a Catholic perspective.
ICLN seeks to strengthen the connection between faith and public service, encouraging legislators to incorporate their Catholic values and principles into their decision-making processes. The organization often focuses on topics related to human dignity, social justice, the sanctity of life, religious freedom, and the common good.
Through conferences, seminars, and other events, the International Catholic Legislators Network provides a space for Catholic politicians to exchange ideas, share experiences, and engage in discussions that are guided by their faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church. The network’s ultimate goal is to promote policies and legislation that align with Catholic social teaching and contribute to the well-being of societies worldwide.