The National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC) of Ghana has opened its 47th Annual National Plenary Assembly, bringing together lay leaders from across the country to reflect on the role of the laity in promoting justice, peace, and the mission of the Church.
The four-day Assembly, taking place from March 12 to 15, 2026, at the St. Kizito Pastoral Centre in the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, has drawn representatives from Archdiocesan, Diocesan, and Vicariate Laity Councils, as well as leaders of Catholic lay associations, societies, and organizations, together with their chaplains.
In a statement delivered at the opening ceremony, National Chairman of the NCLC, Sir John Kofi Tandoh, welcomed bishops, clergy, consecrated persons, traditional leaders, and lay faithful to the gathering, describing the plenary assembly as the highest decision-making body of the Council.
According to him, the meeting provides an important forum for lay Catholics to review the work of the Council, evaluate the state of the lay apostolate in dioceses and organizations, strengthen collaboration within the Church, and plan for more effective participation of the laity in the Church’s mission.
The 2026 assembly is being held under the theme “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana.” Participants are expected to reflect on the concept of synodality — the call for the People of God to “walk together,” listen to one another, and discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in addressing challenges facing both the Church and society.
Sir Tandoh noted that the gathering mirrors the spirit of the early Church, where believers came together to deliberate and seek divine guidance on important matters affecting the faith community.
He also emphasized the crucial role of the laity in society, reminding participants that Catholic faithful are called to bring Gospel values into every sphere of national life and to contribute to justice, peace, and moral transformation in Ghana.
Over the course of the assembly, participants will engage in prayer, dialogue, and deliberations aimed at strengthening unity among lay faithful, bishops, clergy, and consecrated persons, while renewing their commitment to the Church’s apostolic mission in the country.
The National Chairman expressed hope that the deliberations would bear fruit not only for the Catholic Church but also for the development and peace of Ghana.
BY: Vanessa Yeboah//Newswatchgh, com
