National Catholic Laity Council opens 47th plenary assembly in Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese

The National Catholic Laity Council of Ghana (NCLC) has convened its 47th Annual Plenary Assembly at the St. Kizito Pastoral Centre in the Sekondi-Takorai Diocese from Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 15, 2026. The gathering has brought together Catholic lay leaders and delegates from dioceses and lay apostolate organisations across the country to reflect on the mission of the Church and the role of the laity in national development.

The 47th Plenary Assembly held under the theme, “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana,” provides a platform for dialogue, prayer and strategic planning among Catholic lay faithful. Participants are expected to deliberate on issues affecting the Church and society while exploring ways the laity can actively contribute to promoting justice, peace and evangelisation in the country.

The President of the NCLC, Sir John Kofi Tandoh, called on Catholic lay faithful across the country to renew their commitment to the mission of the Church and actively promote justice and peace in Ghana. He emphasised that the role of the laity remains crucial in strengthening the moral and social fabric of the nation.

Sir Tandoh stated that the plenary assembly serves as an important forum where lay representatives from the various dioceses and lay apostolate groups come together to review the activities of the Council and assess their contributions to the mission of the Church. He added that the meeting also enables participants to develop strategies aimed at strengthening the participation of the laity in evangelisation.

He further noted that beyond administrative deliberations, the gathering offers delegates the opportunity to share experiences, deepen their spiritual commitment and renew their dedication to serving both the Church and society. According to him, such encounters foster unity and strengthen collaboration among the lay faithful in Ghana.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, described the assembly as a significant pastoral moment for the local Church. He said the event provides the Sekondi–Takoradi Diocese with the privilege of serving the wider Church in Ghana by hosting the national gathering of lay faithful.

The Bishop noted that the assembly presents a valuable opportunity for dialogue, reflection and collaboration among lay leaders from different parts of the country. Assuring the participants of the warm hospitality of the diocese, he told them that they were “home away from home” and encouraged them to feel welcomed and supported throughout their stay.

Reflecting on the theme of the assembly, Bishop Attakruh stated that the concept of a synodal Church resonates strongly with the mission of the Church in the contemporary world. He urged delegates to use the plenary not only as a forum for discussions and decision-making but also as a moment to deepen the spirit of communion, participation and mission within the Church and the wider Ghanaian society.

Sir Edward Aloysius Prah encouraged Catholic lay faithful to deepen their understanding of synodality and actively contribute to building a more just and peaceful society.

He explained that synodality represents a renewed commitment by the Church to walk together in faith and mission, an initiative that gained global attention following the Synod on Synodality convened by Pope Francis. The annual plenary assembly also provides the Council the opportunity to evaluate the previous year’s activities, plan for the current year and launch the Laity Study Booklet for the year.