Cape Coast Archbishop hosts youth seminar on declining Catholic population

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, has organised a two-day seminar for Catholic youth to examine concerns about the declining Catholic population in Ghana and the sustainability of youth participation in the Church.

The seminar, held on Friday, 9 January, at St Peter’s Seminary, Pedu, formed part of activities marking the Archbishop’s triple anniversary, his 75th birthday, 49 years of priestly ordination, and 33 years of episcopal ordination as a bishop.

The event brought together priests, past friends, classmates, and members of the Cape Coast Archdiocesan Youth Council (CCADYC) Executive Board for discussions on youth engagement and emerging issues within the Catholic Church.

Addressing participants, Archbishop Buckle reflected on his own formation within Catholic youth movements such as the Young Christian Students (YCS) and the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS–Pax Romana), noting their role in sustaining faith, discipline, and long-term commitment to the Church. He stressed the need to revive and strengthen traditional Catholic youth groups, including YCS, IMCS–Pax Romana, and the Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO), to better support young people amid changing social realities.

Discussions during the seminar also focused on current debates within the Church, including conversations on social media about declining membership, the use of media in evangelisation, and concerns over waning volunteerism among the youth.

Archbishop Buckle outlined a guiding message for sustaining the Cape Coast Archdiocese towards 2026, urging participants to focus on practical action rather than pessimism. He linked this to the vision of a Synodal Church, emphasising participation, mission, and communion.

The seminar is expected to contribute to ongoing conversations on youth engagement and Church sustainability in Ghana, as dioceses continue efforts to strengthen the role of young people in Catholic life and mission.

Credit: Pax Boniface, CCADYC PRO