The Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and Ladies’ Auxiliary have declared their full support for the communique issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) at its 2025 plenary assembly held in the Diocese of Damongo from 7th to 14th, November 2025.
In a statement dated November 15, 2025 and signed by Maj. Gen. Engr. Sir Joseph Charles Osei, Supreme Subordinate President and Noble Sister Emma Ethel Asomani, Ladies’ Auxiliary President , the Catholic fraternal order expressed gratitude for the successful hosting of the plenary and commended the bishops for what they described as their “health, wisdom and strength” throughout the meeting.
They also congratulated the Damongo Diocese, along with its clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful.
KSJI Ghana further joined the GCBC in congratulating the dioceses of Damongo, Jasikan, Keta-Akatsi, Konongo-Mampong and Obuasi on their 30th anniversaries, as well as the dioceses of Cape Coast, Keta, Accra, Kumasi and Tamale on marking 75 years.
In their statement, they welcomed early preparations for the Catholic Church’s 150th anniversary in Ghana, set for 2030, and pledged their support toward planning the celebration.
Addressing the Bishops’ emphasis on synodality, KSJI Ghana said the Bishops’ definition aligns with the Order’s long-standing operational principles, urging both clergy and lay members of the Church to respect and uphold the concept in all aspects of ecclesial life.
The statement read, “This has guided our operations in the Catholic Church from inception over 80 years and continues to guide us. It is our prayer that the definition as communicated in the communique will be respected by the Clergy and Lay Faithful in every aspect of the Church’s life and activities.”
On national issues, the Order endorsed the GCBC’s call for justice, peace and cohesion, particularly in conflict-prone areas including Bawku, Nkwanta South, and Bole-Kalba-Gbeneyiri.
The statement appealed to the government to ensure timely and impartial justice delivery, warning that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Reaffirming its stance on environmental concerns, KSJI Ghana noted its agreement with the Bishops’ strong opposition to illegal mining and environmental destruction, describing ecological protection as a moral duty.
“Our previous statements confirm our support for GCBC’s forceful stance against illegal mining and the destruction of our natural environment.”
In addition, they supported the GCBC’s call for strengthened collaboration between the state and religious bodies in the education sector, highlighting the importance of safeguarding “Catholic identity by ensuring adequate representation of Catholic children in Mission schools.”
On governance, KSJI Ghana endorsed renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability in public service, stating that the Bishops’ position aligns with the Order’s values of integrity and justice.
Concluding the statement, the Knights and Ladies pledged continued support for the implementation of recommendations contained in the Bishops’ communiqué, adding that “the issues raised in the communique are realized, to work assiduously to attain the objectives.”
By: Vanessa Kekeli Yeboah//Newswatchgh.com
