The week-long assembly, taking place at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre in Jamasi, is being held under the theme, “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary.”
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, the President of the Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, outlined several issues expected to feature in the Bishops’ deliberations, with particular attention to the Church’s preparations for its 150th anniversary in 2030.
A major item on the agenda is the commemoration of 150 years of Catholic presence in Ghana, which began in 1880 in the south before spreading to the northern part of the country.
Bishop Gyamfi said the anniversary should go beyond historical remembrance to provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal, pastoral reflection and a renewed commitment to the Church’s mission.
He indicated that the Bishops would work towards a comprehensive programme of anniversary activities, to be implemented from the grassroots to the national level, beginning in 2027.
The anniversary has also informed the choice of the assembly’s theme, which places communion, participation and mission at the centre of the Church’s preparations.
The Bishops are also expected to examine practical ways of strengthening communion within the Church, particularly across Ghana’s diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic communities.
On participation, the discussions will consider the role of the entire baptised faithful in the life and mission of the Church, beyond Bishops, priests and consecrated persons.
The keynote address specifically highlighted the need to recognise and integrate the contributions of young people, women, catechists, teachers, healthcare professionals, farmers, traders, workers, persons with disabilities and marginalised groups into the Church’s pastoral life and decision-making processes.
Mission will also feature prominently, with the Bishops expected to reflect on how the Church can strengthen its evangelisation and service to society.
Areas highlighted include Catholic education and healthcare, the promotion of human dignity, justice and peace, solidarity with vulnerable populations, environmental protection and the formation of responsible citizens.
Another significant issue is the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Ghana, established in 1976.
Bishop Gyamfi noted that a proposal had been advanced to defer the climax of the Golden Jubilee celebrations to 2027, when they could be held alongside Ghana’s 70th anniversary of independence.
The proposed arrangement is expected to provide an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding relationship between the Church and the Ghanaian state and their shared commitment to human dignity, peace, social justice, education and healthcare.
Beyond ecclesiastical matters, the Bishops will turn their attention to pressing national concerns.
The ongoing constitutional review process is among the issues expected to receive attention, with the Conference emphasising the need for reforms that strengthen democratic governance, accountability, justice and the common good.
The prolonged conflict in Bawku is also on the agenda. The Bishops are expected to consider the continuing human, social and economic consequences of the conflict and the need for renewed efforts towards lasting peace.
The reported explosion in Hamile, along Ghana’s northwestern border, will also feature in the discussions, particularly in relation to border security and instability in the Sahelian sub-region.
Other national issues identified for discussion include drug trafficking and substance abuse, indiscipline in schools, illegal and irresponsible mining (galamsey), and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Bill.
The President of the Bishops’ Conference indicated that these concerns would form part of broader discussions on the moral, social and institutional development of Ghana.
At the close of the assembly, the Bishops are expected to issue a communiqué reflecting on the plenary theme and selected issues of national concern.
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