Thousands of Catholics from the Diocese of Wiawso in the Western North Region of Ghana, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, ecstatically welcomed His Excellency, the Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, for joining them to climax the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the inauguration of the Diocese.
The Nuncio was greeted at the entrance to Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral in Sefwi Mpomam, where he received a bouquet presented by seven-year-old Mariam Afia Adepa Adu.
The Bishop of Wiawso, the Most Rev. Samuel Nkuah-Boateng, and the Bishop Emeritus, the Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kwaku Essien, together with scores of Priests and lay faithful, accompanied the Nuncio in a procession with brass band music, singing, and dancing.
Many of the lay faithful were clad in their societal uniforms to welcome the Nuncio, including the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, Catholic Women Association, Sacred Heart Confraternity, Christian Mothers and fathers, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO), Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), Catholic Organisation for Social and Religious Advancement (COSRA).
The Apostolic Nuncio, supported by Bishop Nkuah-Boateng, inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Knights of St. John International and their Ladies Auxiliary.
Present also to welcome the Nuncio were Honourable Wilbert Petty Brentum-Western North Regional Minister, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, the Regent of Wiawso Traditional Council and Chief of Sefwi Boinzan, and many distinguished personalities, including Religious Leaders from the Anglican Diocese of Wiawso, Regional Chief Imam, and pastors from other denominations.
The theme for the Silver Jubilee celebration was: “Celebrating 25 Years as a Diocese: Moving into the Future with Hope and Courage.”
Archbishop Kabore thanked Bishop Nkuah-Boateng for inviting him to be part of the Diocese’s milestone and to preside over the Mass.
The Nuncio’s visit to the Wiawso Diocese is the first after his appointment by Pope Francis on June 29, 2024, as Titular Archbishop of Milevi and Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana. He was consecrated as an archbishop on September 14, 2024.
Born in Zorgo, Burkina Faso, on June 18, 1968, Archbishop Julien Kaboré was ordained a priest on July 8, 1995, and incardinated in the Archdiocese of Koupela, Burkina Faso. His academic credentials are impressive: he holds a licentiate in dogmatic theology and a doctorate in canon law.
Archbishop Kaboré began his diplomatic service with the Holy See on July 1, 2004. Throughout his career, he has served in various apostolic nunciatures worldwide, including in Kenya, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Costa Rica, South Korea, Mongolia, Croatia, Trinidad and Tobago, the Philippines, and Ireland.
The appointment of Archbishop Julien Kaboré is historic: he became the first Burkinabe ecclesiastic to hold the position of Apostolic Nuncio. The Catholic community and ecclesiastical authorities celebrate this recognition of his commitment and dedication.
A proficient polyglot, Archbishop Kaboré speaks Italian, English, French, and Spanish fluently, and knows Swahili, Korean, Croatian, and Tagalog. This exceptional linguistic ability enables him to serve effectively as a Nuncio.
By Damian Avevor (Sefwi Diocese)
