The Chairperson for the opening ceremony of the 2025 Annual Plenary Assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) in Damongo, Dr. Dominic Gameli Hoedofia, has urged a closer partnership between the Church and the State to promote integrity, justice, and inclusive governance in Ghana.
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony at the Unity Centre in Damongo, Dr. Hoedofia, who serves as Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation, said Ghana’s development and stability depend on the moral courage of both political and religious leaders to work together in the service of the common good.
Under the plenary’s theme, “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana,” Dr. Hoedofia described the Church as a “prophetic partner in national development,” emphasizing that faith must go beyond the pulpit to influence policy and leadership decisions.
“The pulpit must meet the policy table; prayer must inspire performance; and faith must shape public life and accountability,” he stated.
He observed that while Ghana has made significant progress in democratic governance, the nation “stands at a moral crossroads,” as integrity, truth, and justice continue to be tested by greed and self-interest.
“We live in a time when truth is often compromised for convenience, and public trust is weakened by the actions of a few,” he cautioned. “In such times, the Church must be the voice that calls Ghana back to its covenant of righteousness.”
Dr. Hoedofia highlighted that the values of synodality, listening, inclusion, and shared responsibility reflect Ghana’s own aspirations for participatory governance and accountable leadership.
He said that the Church, through its parishes, schools, hospitals, and social ministries, remains a model of service that government institutions can learn from.
“Service to God is inseparable from service to humanity,” he affirmed. “Leadership, whether in the Church or in government, is not about how much one is served but how much one serves.”
He also called on the Church to continue nurturing civic responsibility and social cohesion while ensuring that “the voice of the poor and vulnerable is never lost in the corridors of power.”
Acknowledging the Catholic Church’s historic contributions to Ghana’s nation-building, from education and healthcare to peacebuilding, Dr. Hoedofia commended the bishops for their continuous moral guidance.
He urged that this partnership between faith and governance must be deepened to strengthen the nation’s democratic and ethical foundation.
“The Church must continue to be the conscience of the nation, the light that reveals truth and the salt that preserves righteousness,” he said.
He concluded by praying that the Holy Spirit would guide the deliberations of the Bishops’ Conference toward peace, transformation, and renewed commitment to national unity.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kabore, Regional Minister Hon. Isifu Salisu Bi-Awurobe, local government officials, traditional leaders, priests, religious, and Catholic societies, including the Knights of St. John International, Knights and Ladies of Marshall, and representatives of the Catholic Laity Councils.
The plenary continues in Damongo until Friday, November 14, 2025, hosted by Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
