As the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference concludes its 2021 Plenary Assembly in Wa this evening with the issuing of a communique focusing the theme: “Fratelli Tutti and COVID- 19: Pastoral opportunities and challenges in Ghana”, the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana (CMSRG), has expressed concern about the decline in the compliance of the coronavirus pandemic and safety protocols by many Ghanaians.
“It is worrying, now to see that, Ghana is witnessing a consistent decline in COVID-19 pandemic compliance and safety protocols over time,” said Sr. Mercy Boateng, SSL, President of the CMSG during the opening ceremony of the GCBC Plenary on Monday, November 8.
In a goodwill message to the Bishops, Sr. Boateng lamented that “There is still fear expressed by the public even among some members of the clergy and religious around side effect and usefulness of the COVID-19 vaccine based on misinformation.”
She noted that this was the biggest challenge being faced now as a country which seems to have lost momentum and absolute trust in the COVID-19 Response Actions.
Sadly, she noted that many people had rather put their trust in random social media post or piece(s) of misinformation over the public health officials, the government, the mainstream news, and the World Health Organisation.
“We religious men and women in Ghana have left no stone unturned in strengthening the fight against COVID-19,” she stated, adding, “At the peak of pandemic scare, many religious did their utmost best to serve as frontliners of the COVID-19 crisis as health workers and as exemplary and effective leaders in combatting the pandemic.”
Sr. Boateng stated the Religious in Ghana continue to provide charity services, including donation of equipment and PPE’S to undersupplied communities, hinting, “recently, access to vaccines are key issues we are advocating. We are promoting more vaccine-acceptance campaigns and awareness programs especially in vulnerable communities.”
She commended the Catholic Bishops of Ghana, saying, “in many ways you were the symbols of stability, source of inspiration and resilience in the fight against COVID-19 at local levels.”
“At the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, when some people in other jurisdiction were claiming conscientious objection to COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds, you were early respondents and recipients of the vaccine jabs. You allowed your churches to be used as vaccine centers. We are forever grateful to you and to your conference for all the support received.”
According to the President of the Religious Men and Women in Ghana, vvaccine confidence was very essential if the pandemic is to be brought under control, saying, “Vaccinating a population is the end point, and there must be proactive approaches to health promotion and community preparedness.”
She appealed to the Bishops to encourage churches. to use both their formal and informal communication systems to connect people to vaccines and encourage people who have been vaccinated to share their testimonies with those who are hesitant.
“The clergy can fuel the church talk with verified information regarding the vaccine and COVID-19 fighting protocols and play a part in both advocating for greater access and bridging the gaps for the most vulnerable,” Sr. Boateng averred.
She suggested that Communities should be engaged using culturally and linguistically inclusive approaches to disseminate key messages.
The conference of Major Superiors of Religious Ghana is a registered body in Ghana with a membership of about 70 religious institutes (local and international), representing over 1500 members of whom 70% are women.
The Conference has the vision to be a vibrant, formidable and prophetic Catholic Body in Ghana collaboratively responding to the signs of the times through sustainable programs towards the positive transformation of society.
On October 15, 2021, the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious in Ghana launched a project dubbed: “Religious in Ghana Strengthening Covid19 Response.”
The Project is aimed at reducing the impact of the Novel Coronavirus on individuals and families in Ghana.
The initiative which is sponsored by the Hilton Foundation follows earlier initiatives and the fear expressed by the public around safety, side effect and usefulness of vaccines based on misinformation, lack of trust in government or the scientific establishment or sheer ignorance.
For a period of eight months, the Conference, as part of its pastoral concern and responsibilities will ensure that vaccine reaches and is accepted by everyone especially those on the margins of society who do not have the right to information and that there is an equitable and effective COVID-19 distribution with the country.
