A delegation from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) on Friday, 14th November 2025, paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom at his Palace in Damongo, as part of activities leading to the closing ceremony of the Bishops’ Annual Plenary Assembly.
The delegation, led by Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of the Ho Diocese together with Most Rev Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo, visited the King to express the Bishops’ gratitude for granting permission for the conference to be hosted in his Kingdom and for the warm hospitality extended to them throughout the week-long Plenary.
Bishop Fianu in his submission as Vice President of the Bishops’ Conference appreciated the good people of the Gonja Land for their warm reception, love and hospitality adding that the Church in Damongo had received the Bishops well and assured them of their continuous prayers and support.
During the interaction, Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, informed the Yagbonwura of the upcoming 30th Anniversary Climax of the Damongo Diocese, scheduled for Saturday,15th November 2025, noting that preparations were already underway for the milestone celebration.
His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Soale I expressed deep appreciation to the Bishops for choosing Gonja land as the venue for the 2025 Plenary Assembly.
He commended the Church for its continued contribution to education, health, peacebuilding, and community development in the Savannah Region.
However, the Overlord raised a significant concern about the rapid proliferation of Churches across the region, indicating that many of them may not be genuine in their operations.
He, therefore, appealed to the GCBC to look into the matter and help ensure spiritual and social accountability, emphasising the need to safeguard communities from exploitation.
Archbishop Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, in his response on behalf of the Bishops, assured the King that his concerns had been taken seriously.
He pledged that the Conference would follow up on the matters raised, especially those relating to unregulated religious activities, and work collaboratively with traditional authorities for the wellbeing of the people.
Friday’s visit formed part of the closing engagements of the 2025 Plenary Assembly, which will officially conclude this evening with a special ceremony at the St. Anne’s Cathedral in Damongo.
The GCBC delegation included Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale and some members of the Plenary Assembly Planning Committee.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
