The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called for renewed national commitment to justice, peace, environmental protection, and responsible governance, urging the State to take bold and uncompromising actions to safeguard Ghana’s future.
This was outlined in a strongly worded communiqué issued at the end of the Bishops’ 2025 Annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 7–14 at the Unity Centre in Damongo, Savannah Region. The Assembly convened under the theme: “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana.”
National Dialogue and Institutional Independence
The Bishops stressed the need for deeper national dialogue, stronger institutional independence, and the rejection of political and ethnic divisions that undermine national cohesion. The week-long Assembly saw participation from all Catholic bishops in Ghana and was graced by the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré.
High-profile government officials, including the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Isifu Salisu Be-Awuribe, and the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, delivered goodwill messages highlighting the long-standing partnership between the Church and the State.
The Bishops also paid courtesy calls on the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Konuto Jewusoale II, and other traditional authorities, discussing peacebuilding, youth development, and environmental stewardship.
Political Reform and National Cohesion
The GCBC expressed grave concern over the rise of inflammatory political rhetoric and violent conduct during recent elections, warning that such behavior threatens Ghana’s democracy. They condemned growing ethnocentrism in public life, citing conflicts in Bawku, Bole, Kalba, Nkwanta South, and Gbenyiri.
The Bishops highlighted that the renewed Bawku conflict alone has claimed over 300 lives and displaced more than 30,000 residents, while violence in Gbenyiri in August 2025 resulted in at least 31 deaths and temporarily displaced over 48,000 people.
They called for sustained dialogue, mediation, and responsible communication, urging political leaders, traditional authorities, and the media to act with restraint and maturity.
The Conference also criticised the “winner-takes-all” political mentality, noting that it undermines unity and meritocracy by denying qualified citizens positions due to partisan affiliations.
Combating Corruption
Addressing corruption, the Bishops referenced Ghana’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index score of 42/100, describing it as a sign of persistent ethical challenges. They called for full operational independence and adequate funding for the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Economic and Organised Crime Office, insisting their work must be guided strictly by evidence, professionalism, and the rule of law.
Urgent Call to Address Galamsey
A central appeal in the communiqué focused on illegal mining, which the Bishops described as a moral and spiritual emergency. They cited the loss of 5,252 hectares of forest reserves in 2025 and pollution of 75% of Ghana’s rivers.
The Bishops urged the President to declare a state of emergency in high-risk mining zones and prosecute all perpetrators regardless of political links. They called for full reclamation of destroyed lands and transparent national reporting on water, forest, and food safety indicators, commending chiefs and queen mothers who resist illegal mining.
By Times Reporter
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