The Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary, Ghana, are seeking to move beyond charity and faith formation by creating a stronger platform for discussions on justice, morality and national accountability.
This forms part of the vision behind the 1st Edition of the St. John the Baptist Memorial Lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Christ the King Parish Hall, Cantonments, Accra.
Speaking ahead of the event, Supreme Subordinate President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary – Ghana, Noble Sister Emma Ethel Asomani, said the initiative was inspired by the life of St. John the Baptist, whom she described as a man of prayer, courage and truth who spoke without fear or favour.
“For years, the Order has been strong in charity, faith formation and service to the Church. This time round we want to go beyond the above,” she said.
She explained that the Order wanted to honour its patron not only through prayer but also through action by creating a platform that would encourage people to speak truth to power.
The inaugural lecture will be held on the theme, “Speaking Truth to Power: Upholding Justice, Morality & National Accountability.”
According to N/S Asomani, the theme reflects the values of the Order as Catholic Knights and Ladies committed to discipline, integrity and service to God and country.
“Our faith must not end inside the church building. It must shape how we govern, how we manage public trust, and how we treat one another in a sisterly manner,” she said.
She stressed that justice, morality and accountability should not be treated merely as political issues.
“For us, justice is not a political slogan; it is a Gospel demand. Morality is not optional; it is our foundation. Accountability must start with us before we demand it from others,” she stated.
N/S Asomani said the organisers do not want the initiative to end with the conclusion of the lecture.
She disclosed that the St. John the Baptist Memorial Lecture is intended to become an annual event on the national calendar of the Noble Order, while discussion circles will also be created across Grand, District and Subordinate Auxiliaries to sustain the conversation at the grassroots.
She said recommendations from the lecture would be documented and translated into practical initiatives, including youth mentorship, women’s leadership training, capacity building and advocacy on specific national issues.
“We want to move from talk to action, from lecture hall to community impact,” she said.
She further urged participants to leave the inaugural lecture with a renewed conscience, courage and commitment to become agents of positive change in their homes, workplaces, churches and communities.
“This must be more than a lecture; it must become a movement,” she added.
The programme will bring together prominent religious, political and professional figures, including a panel featuring Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu and Samson Lardy Anyenini, Esq as the Moderator.
The event will also be graced by dignitaries including the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, clergy, and other religious and traditional leaders.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
