The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has officially opened its 2025 Plenary Assembly in Damongo, bringing together twenty bishops from across the country under the theme, “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana.”
The five-day gathering, which runs from Monday, November 10 to Friday, November 14, is being held at the Unity Centre Conference Hall in Damongo marking the second time in 21 years that Damongo has hosted the prestigious national assembly of bishops.
Delivering his welcome address, the host Bishop, Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier of the Damongo Diocese, expressed joy at welcoming the bishops, clergy, religious, and laity to the Diocese once again. He recalled the last plenary held in Damongo in 2004, describing this year’s conference as a “sign of communion, pastoral solidarity, and brotherhood among bishops.”
Bishop Angkyier also highlighted the Diocese’s progress and challenges, noting improvements in infrastructure and road networks, but stressing persistent concerns over education, health, and environmental degradation. He called for collaboration among traditional authorities, government, and the Church to promote peace, unity and sustainable development across the region.
In his keynote address, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Sunyani, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, underscored the Church’s responsibility to foster justice, peace, and moral leadership in Ghana. He praised the nation’s democratic strides but warned of growing threats posed by corruption, illegal mining (galamsey), and chieftaincy conflicts.
“Peace without justice is fragile,” Bishop Gyamfi declared, emphasizing that true peace begins with conversion of heart and active dialogue. He cited the Church’s interventions through civic education, election monitoring, peacebuilding in conflict zones and environmental advocacy as living examples of “synodality in action.”
Touching on the 2024 general elections, he noted the Church’s partnership with the Electoral Commission in deploying trained observers nationwide and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to safeguarding democracy and social harmony.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, also addressed the assembly, commending the Ghanaian bishops for their “prophetic witness and pastoral leadership.” He urged continued unity among faith communities, civil authorities, and traditional leaders in building a nation rooted in reconciliation, forgiveness, and compassion.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Issifu Salisu Bi-Awuribe, the West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, representatives of the Yagbonwura, members of the National Laity Council, the Damongo Local Council of Churches, and other religious leaders.
As the conference continues through the week, the bishops are expected to deliberate on key national and ecclesial issues including Catholic education reform, environmental stewardship, religious tolerance, conflict mediation, and the defence of institutional integrity in Ghana’s democracy.
The Damongo Diocese, home to the iconic Larabanga Mosque, Mole National Park, and numerous church-based development initiatives, has been commended for its hospitality and contribution to the Church’s mission of justice, peace, and evangelization.
The 2025 Plenary Assembly is set to conclude on Friday, November 14, 2025, with a closing Mass and communiqué outlining resolutions for the Church and nation.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
