Accra, 16 November, 2025 / 8:36 PM
Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) have decried multiple vices undermining national cohesion—particularly divisive rhetoric, intolerance, and growing social tension—and are urging Ghanaians to “return to values of integrity” through dialogue, inclusivity, and shared responsibility rooted in a “synodal” approach that promotes justice and peace.
In a communique issued following their November 7-14 Plenary Assembly in the Catholic Diocese of Damongo, GCBC members outline a comprehensive vision for both Church and nation, calling for renewed commitment to dialogue, national unity, and communal responsibility.
“We note with grave concern the escalating use of inflammatory, divisive, and sometimes hateful rhetoric in our public discourse, particularly during the recent electoral period, where healthy political competition tragically degenerated into violence, arson, and wanton destruction that threatened the fragile fabric of our national unity and social cohesion,” the Catholic Bishops say.
They caution that deepening ethnic tensions pose a serious threat to national cohesion.
The GCBC members warn that the rise in ethnocentrism contradicts God’s vision for humanity, stating, “The increasing ethnocentrism in our nation grieves the heart of God, who created all people in his own image and likeness; and who delights in our beautiful cultural diversity, intending it to be a source of mutual enrichment, celebration, and learning rather than a cause for division, conflict, and mutual suspicion.”
They further remind Ghanaians that Africa’s past offers painful lessons about the destructive potential of ethnic manipulation, saying, “Historical instances, both in Ghana and across our continent, where ethnic sentiments were weaponised with devastating and genocidal consequences must never be repeated.”
The Catholic Church leaders “call for a sincere, sustained, and national conversation about how to celebrate our rich diversity while actively strengthening our common identity and shared destiny as one people with one future.”
They point to devastating conflicts in various places they highlight in the West African nation as evidence of the urgent need for reconciliation.
“The conflicts in Bawku, Gbenyiri, Kalba, Bole, and Nkwanta South reinforce the urgent need for sustained dialogue and reconciliation in communities fractured by ethnic, land, and chieftaincy disputes,” GCBC members say.
They lament that in Bawku, “long-standing tensions have claimed over 300 lives and displaced more than 30,000 residents, with education and livelihoods severely disrupted.”
The Catholic Bishops further lament that the “Gbenyiri conflict of August 2025 resulted in at least 31 deaths and the temporary displacement of over 48,000 people.”
“These crises reveal that peace cannot be assumed but must be actively cultivated through inclusive engagement, mediation, and co-responsible collaboration among traditional authorities, government institutions, civil society, and religious bodies,” GCBC members say.
They lend their support to all those who are “playing vital roles in helping resolve conflicts around the country.”
GCBC members also call on citizens, particularly political leaders, traditional authorities, and media personalities, to “exercise maximum restraint, maturity, and responsibility in speech.”
“We equally call for renewed commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of human dignity, emphasizing that authentic justice and lasting peace emerge only when all stakeholders walk together in mutual understanding and shared responsibility,” GCBC members say.
Reflecting on environmental degradation, the Catholic Bishops say, “Ecological degradation in Ghana is both a profound moral crisis and a spiritual challenge.”
“Recent data show that Ghana has lost over 5,252 hectares of forest reserves due to illegal mining (galamsey) in 2025, and 44 out of 288 forest reserves are now degraded. Additionally, about 75 % of the nation’s rivers are now polluted, primarily by mercury and cyanide used in unregulated and irresponsible gold extraction,” GCBC members say.
While they acknowledge government’s efforts in, for instance, establishing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Catholic Church leaders call on President John Dramani Mahama to “announce even more radical action against this menace including the declaration of a state of emergency in high risk mining zones, swift prosecution of perpetrators regardless of political affiliation, and the full reclamation of lands ravaged by illegal/irresponsible mining and the establishment of transparent reporting on water, forests and food safety indicators.”
Reflecting on the theme of their assembly “The Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace,” a theme that aligns with the multi-year Synod on Synodality, the Catholic Bishops commend the “ongoing synodal processes in our Dioceses and parishes.”
They, however, challenge every Catholic community to “deepen this commitment to communal discernment and shared responsibility for the Church’s mission in the world, particularly through more vibrant, inclusive, and consultative parish and diocesan pastoral councils that are truly representative of the People of God.”
“Our historical moment demands profound national conversion, a collective return to the values of integrity, service, and solidarity,” GCBC members say.
They add, “Every sector bears responsibility in this renewal: Government must courageously prioritize the common good; Parliament must function with integrity and purpose; Traditional Rulers must protect peace, culture, and lands; Security Services must serve without partiality; the Media must report truthfully and responsibly; and the Church must continue conscience formation, service to the poor, and prophetic truth-telling.”
“As a synodal Church, we pledge continued accompaniment towards a Ghana where justice and peace embrace. Ghana represents God's precious gift, a nation endowed with abundant resources and resilient people,” the Catholic Bishops say.
They noted that “our peace, democracy, and shared future constitute treasures requiring vigilant protection. We must not squander these gifts through selfishness or short-sightedness.”
(Story continues below)
The Best Catholic News - straight to your inbox
Sign up for our free ACI Africa newsletter.
Our mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA