Fr. Nicholas Aazine re-elected JPIC Ghana president

Rev. Fr. Nicholas Nibetol Aazine of the Society of the Divine Word has been re-elected as president of the Inter Congregational Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Ghana.

The decision was taken at the annual general meeting of Inter Congregational JPIC coordinators, held at the Tamale Institute for Cross Culture in Tamale from 16 to 19 April 2026.

The Inter Congregational Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation is a subsidiary body of the Conference of Major Superiors Ghana. It brings together Catholic religious congregations and societies of apostolic life, including priests, sisters and brothers working to promote justice, peace and care for creation through advocacy and support for the poor, the needy and marginalised, as well as environmental stewardship.

The group says its work reflects not only the social teaching of the Catholic Church but also its core values and mandate, applying to priests, religious and lay faithful alike.

 The meeting opened with a welcome address from the president, Rev. Fr. Nicholas N Aazine. Very Rev Fr Thaddeus Kuusah, administrator of Our Lady of Apostles Cathedral in Tamale, represented the Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev Philip Naameh, and delivered a goodwill message.

Referring to the meeting theme, “The Role of Peace in Promoting Truth and Justice and Integrity of Creation”, Fr Kuusah said the world was increasingly marked by conflict, misinformation, ecological degradation and injustice. He said peace provides the conditions for truth to flourish and urged priests and religious to promote truth and peaceful environments, adding that this reflects the will of God.

A Nigerian born Jesuit priest, Fr. Bernard Jado, spoke on the topic “Justice Begins at Home: Accountability of Stewardship within Religious Communities”. His presentation focused on stewardship in religious life, accountability as a demand of justice, the need to examine internal community life, the stewardship of power and authority, and a call to conversion and ongoing discernment.

Fr. Joseph Blay of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual also addressed participants, outlining ways to value and maintain peace in communities and workplaces.

Dr. Ken Edem Asigbey, chief executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, spoke about illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. He said there had been little progress in tackling the problem and warned of continuing health and environmental risks, including polluted water bodies, birth deformities, land degradation, school dropouts among children and insecurity in mining areas. He urged religious groups and the wider public to continue resisting environmental destruction.

Elections were held for new national officers for the 2026 to 2029 period. Rev Fr Nicholas Aazine was retained as president, with Sr. Joy Abuh of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary as vice president. Fr Isaac Amponsah Boateng of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit was elected secretary, while Sr. Cynthia Godia Bienaan of the Holy Cross Sisters became vice secretary. Bro. Irenius Nimbare of the Brothers of Christian Instruction and Sr. Eduarda Bongo of the Religious of the Virgin Mary were elected treasurer and vice treasurer respectively.

The organisation’s zonal leaders were also named. Fr. Bernard Jado, SJ will oversee Zone 3B, Sr. Mabel Abayol of the School Sisters of Notre Dame will lead Zone 3A, Bro. Clenerius Chimpali of the Missionaries of Africa will head Zones 1A and 1B, while Fr Isaac Amponsah Boateng will serve as acting leader for Zone 2.

Very Rev. Fr. Matthias Yaw Kotoka Amuzu, director of the Accra Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission, was also present. Since 2025, the Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev John Bonaventure Kwofie, has encouraged collaboration between the archdiocese and the Inter Congregational JPIC through shared participation in meetings.

At the end of the gathering, participants resolved to intensify environmental advocacy, promote peaceful co existence in their areas of work and strengthen public awareness efforts.