The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) has officially launched its Ghana chapter at the St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church. This expansion marks a significant milestone for CYNESA, a platform dedicated to fostering responsible stewardship of the environment and raising awareness about environmental issues among Catholic youth in Africa.
CYNESA has rapidly gained prominence across the continent, with existing chapters in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The addition of Ghana as its 10th chapter underscores the growing importance of environmental advocacy within the Catholic community in Africa.
Mr. Allen Ottaro, the Executive Director of CYNESA, highlighted the organization’s multifaceted role, saying, “CYNESA plays a crucial role in youth formation, aligning with Catholic social teachings, and principles. We engage in advocacy, knowledge sharing, and cultural exchange while supporting local initiatives.”
Mr. Ottaro stressed the pivotal role that Africa, as the world’s youngest continent with abundant natural resources, plays in addressing the global ecological crisis. He stated, “Africa can contribute significantly to mitigating ecological challenges, but it is essential to channel these resources towards benefitting African communities, particularly the most vulnerable among us.”
During the launch event, Rev. Fr. Alphonse Bulloro, the Youth Chaplain for the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, emphasised the importance of preserving language and culture in the pursuit of environmental conservation. He noted, “Our language and culture are our tools to care for the earth and the environment. They are intrinsic to our identity.”
Fr. Bulloro encouraged collaboration between CYNESA, Ghana, and the Catholic Youth Formation Center to amplify the teachings and initiatives of CYNESA in the region.
The official launch of CYNESA, Ghana, was graced by Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, former Auditor General of Ghana. In his address, Mr. Domelevo imparted valuable wisdom, advising against the pursuit of self-satisfaction at the expense of hard work and a brighter future.
CYNESA is now gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024 and has set an ambitious goal of establishing 25 chapters across Africa by 2025. This expansion reflects CYNESA’s commitment to nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious Catholic youth dedicated to protecting our planet.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya
