Laity Council in Ghana elects national leaders

The National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC) of Ghana has ushered in a new era of leadership following the election of new executives at its 46th Plenary Assembly, held at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Ghana, Legon.

This year’s gathering marked a milestone as it also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Council, drawing representatives from all 20 Archdioceses, Dioceses, Vicariates, and Lay Associations across the country.

The week-long assembly was graced by prominent clergy, including Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp (Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra), Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD (Bishop of Donkorkrom), and Most Rev. John Kobina Louis (Auxiliary Bishop of Accra). Also present were national chaplains, diocesan clergy, and other dignitaries from the Church’s pastoral leadership.

At the heart of the assembly was the peaceful transition of leadership as Sir Prof. Elias N. K. Sowley handed over to a new team of national executives, led by Mr. John Kofi Tandoh, a seasoned lay leader from the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi. A retired chemist and business executive, Mr. Tandoh brings over five decades of active church service, having worked extensively with youth groups, lay councils, and formation programs. Notably, he made history in 2024 as the first layperson to serve as Synod Secretary during the 4th Kumasi Archdiocesan Synod.

Other officials elected are Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Salia (Sekondi-Takoradi) – National Vice Chair & Cape Coast Provincial Chair, Mr. Michael Djan (Donkorkrom) – National Vice Chair & Accra Provincial Chair, Mr. Ernest Richard Amankwah (Goaso) – National Vice Chair & Kumasi Provincial Chair, Mr. Dickson Anamoo Akurigo (Yendi) – National Vice Chair & Tamale Provincial Chair, Ms. Tamara Amina Sulemana (COSRA & Tamale Archdiocese) – National Recording Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Agyeman-Prempeh (Cape Coast Archdiocese) – National Financial Secretary

The newly elected officials were sworn into office during the closing Mass on Saturday, 26th April 2025, with Bishop John Alphonse Asiedu administering the oath.

Beyond leadership renewal, the assembly reviewed the Council’s past activities, launched the 2025 Laity Study Booklet, and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the Catholic faithful to be “salt of the earth and light of the world” in both Church and society.