The Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation, Dr. Dominic Gameli Hoedofia, has called on the Church to remain steadfast as the nation’s moral conscience and a prophetic voice for truth, justice, and accountability.
Delivering the Chairperson’s address at the official opening of the 2025 Annual Plenary Assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) in Damongo, Dr. Hoedofia described the Church’s role as indispensable in shaping Ghana’s moral, social, and developmental direction.
Held under the theme “A Synodal Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in Ghana,” the opening ceremony brought together Catholic Bishops from across the country, priests, religious, and lay faithful. Also present were the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kabore, the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Isifu Salisu Bi-Awurobe, local government officials, traditional rulers, and members of Catholic fraternal societies, including the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, and the Knights and Ladies of Marshall.
Dr. Hoedofia expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to chair the ceremony, noting that the diocese “nurtured his faith and shaped his understanding of Christian service.”
Reflecting on the theme of the plenary, he said the idea of a Synodal Church, one that listens, includes, and serves, mirrors Ghana’s own democratic aspirations for participatory governance and inclusive development.
“A Synodal Church walks with the people in unity and humility, responding with love and justice,” he said.
“This mission aligns closely with Ghana’s democratic goals, where every citizen has a voice and every leader is accountable.”
Dr. Hoedofia praised the Catholic Church for its enduring contributions to Ghana’s growth in education, healthcare, and community development, describing it as a “cornerstone of the nation’s conscience.”
“From the early missionaries who brought both the Gospel and education to our shores, the Church has stood as a pillar of truth and compassion. Without its influence, the moral and social foundation of Ghana would not be what it is today,” he affirmed.
He further urged both Church and state actors to renew the moral partnership between faith and governance, insisting that the Church must not only guide the soul but also engage national systems to promote justice and good governance.
“The pulpit must meet the policy table; prayer must inspire performance; and faith must shape public life,” he emphasized.
Warning against moral complacency and corruption, Dr. Hoedofia noted that Ghana stands at a “moral crossroads,” where truth is often traded for convenience and integrity is tested by greed.
He called on the Church to “speak truth to power, not with hostility, but with conviction; not to divide, but to heal.”
He concluded by urging national leaders to see governance as “a trust before God” and a ministry of service to humanity.
“Leadership is not how much one is served but how much one serves,” he said, praying that the Holy Spirit would guide the bishops’ deliberations toward renewed commitment to peace, truth, and transformation.
The 2025 GCBC Plenary Assembly continues through to November 14, 2025, hosted by Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
