The Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo, has described the story of the Damongo Diocese as a remarkable testimony of faith, resilience, and growth against all odds.
He made these remarks during his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the Annual Plenary Assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) held on Monday, 10th November 2025, at the Unity Centre in Damongo.
Welcoming Most Rev. Julien Kabore, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, his brother Bishops, clergy, religious, traditional rulers, government officials, and lay faithful, Bishop Angkyier expressed deep joy about the return of the Plenary Assembly to Damongo after twenty-one years since 2004.
“The Diocese of Damongo was created from the Archdiocese of Tamale on 3rd February 1995. Over the last three decades, we have seen steady growth, from five parishes at inception to thirteen parishes and two quasi-parishes today,” he said.
According to him, the diocese spans about 25,906 square kilometres, which covers five of the seven districts in the Savannah Region, with a population of nearly 500,000 people, most of whom live in rural communities.
Despite the challenges of inaccessibility, Bishop Angkyier said the local Church continues to shine as a beacon of hope, with active evangelisation and growing pastoral presence.
He acknowledged the diocese’s ethnic and religious diversity, noting that more than 23 ethnic groups live within its boundaries.
The Bishop commended the peaceful coexistence among these communities, while calling for continuous dialogue to prevent conflicts such as those recently witnessed in some parts of the region.
Bishop Angkyier outlined the diocese’s milestones in evangelisation, education, and development, recalling the pioneering efforts of his predecessor, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, who laid strong foundations in human development and social transformation.
He cited the establishment of St. Anne’s Cathedral, St. Anne’s Girls Senior High School, and the Unity Centre as examples of how the Church’s mission had gone beyond preaching to shaping the physical and social landscape of Damongo.
“Many of these facilities were built outside town, yet today they form part of the centre of development,” he noted, adding that the Church’s contribution to education, health, and peacebuilding had left lasting impact on the region.
Among dignitaries present were Dr. Gameli Dominic Kewuribe Hoedoafia, Chairperson for the opening ceremony and Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation at the Office of the President, Hon. Isifu Salisu Bi- Awurobe, Savannah Regional Minister, traditional leaders, and various Catholic societies including the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, Christian Mothers’ Association, and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society.
Their participation, together with the youth groups, brought a vibrant and colourful atmosphere to the opening day of the Plenary Assembly.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
