The Catholic Church in Ghana is intensifying preparations towards its historic 150th anniversary, with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) placing the milestone at the centre of its 2026 Plenary Assembly.
The Assembly is being held under the theme, “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary.” An opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday, November 9, with the Assembly expected to conclude on Saturday, November 14, at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre, Jamasi.
Delivering a homily at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mampong, in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese, on Sunday, November 8, the President of the GCBC, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, reflected on the Church’s growth and urged the faithful to take collective responsibility for the forthcoming anniversary.
He disclosed that the Church had transitioned from depending on financial grants from Rome to financing its own administrative operations in Ghana, describing the development as a reflection of its institutional growth and increasing self-reliance.
Reflecting on the Church’s remarkable journey, Bishop Gyamfi expressed confidence in its capacity to accomplish even greater things through collective commitment and prayer.
“Looking at how far the Church has come, there is nothing it cannot do. If we all come together and go on our knees to pray for strength and wisdom, there is nothing we cannot do,” he said.
The Catholic Church in Ghana will commemorate 150 years of its modern missionary presence in 2030, dating back to May 1880, when two priests of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Fathers Auguste Moreau and Eugene Murat, arrived in Elmina to establish the modern Catholic mission.
Although Catholicism had earlier reached the Gold Coast through Portuguese missionaries in the 15th century, the 1880 mission marked the beginning of a lasting Catholic presence in the country.
From its humble beginnings in Elmina, the Church gradually expanded across the country, establishing dioceses, parishes, schools and healthcare institutions. The growth also witnessed a gradual transition from foreign missionary leadership to indigenous clergy and bishops.
Today, the Catholic Church in Ghana has grown into a nationwide institution with 9 retired bishops and 20 ecclesiastical jurisdictions, comprising 4 Metropolitan Archdioceses and 16 dioceses.
Turning attention to the forthcoming anniversary, Bishop Gyamfi challenged the faithful to consider their individual contributions towards making the celebration meaningful.
He posed a question to the congregation: “What can you do to support the 150th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Church in Ghana?”
The question underscored the need for active participation by the entire Catholic community rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the Bishops and Church leadership.
Bishop Gyamfi added that as preparations continue, the 2026 Plenary Assembly provides an opportunity for the Bishops to reflect on the Church’s achievements while charting a renewed course for its mission in Ghana.
By Theresa Kpordzo
Newswatchgh.com
