The universal spirit of unity and fraternity has found a new home in Ghana as representatives of the Focolare Movement from Cotonou in the Republic of Benin officially launched their presence in the country with a courtesy visit to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp.
The historic meeting took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Archbishop’s office at the Holiy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, Accra.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the Church’s missionary journey in Ghana, as the Movement formally announced its commitment to fostering unity, dialogue, and evangelisation within the local Church.
Welcoming the delegation warmly, Archbishop Kwofie expressed joy at their decision to establish the Movement in Ghana.
Acknowledging the challenges that accompany missionary work, he encouraged the representatives to remain steadfast and courageous in their mission.
“The work of evangelisation is not easy, but you must keep knocking. Keep reaching out. It is through perseverance that hearts are opened and souls are won,” the Archbishop noted.
He assured them of his prayers and fatherly support, granting them his blessings as they begin this new chapter of spreading the charism of unity in Ghana.
The delegation was led by Sr. Helen Chizoba Oguaju, Mr. Malik Cossou, and Mrs. Isabelle Cossou, a married couple, who together represent the Movement’s spirit of communion among religious and lay faithful.
Although the official inauguration took place in 2026, the seeds of the Focolare Movement had already been sown in Ghana in 2024. At the time, individual Francophone members from countries such as Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin visited Ghana for studies and professional engagements. During their stay, they met periodically in a spirit of fraternity, sharing experiences and living out the Movement’s spirituality of unity.
This recent visit by the delegation from Cotonou marks the formal establishment of the Focolare Movement in Ghana for Ghanaians, and open to all nationals residing in the country.
Following their meeting with the Archbishop, a forum was held to introduce the Movement more broadly and to induct the first two members in Accra as Ambassadors and local contacts for the Movement in Ghana.
These newly inducted members will serve as the local points of contact, coordinating activities and fostering the spirituality of communion within the Archdiocese and beyond.
The representatives are expected to extend their mission beyond Accra, with planned visits to the Volta Region particularly Kpando and Kumasi. These engagements aim to introduce the spirituality of communion to clergy, religious, and lay faithful, while building relationships rooted in love and mutual respect.
Founded in 1943 by Chiara Lubich, the Focolare Movement is now present in over 180 countries, promoting unity among people, cultures, and religions in the spirit of the Gospel.
As the Movement plants its seeds in Ghanaian soil, the Church looks forward with hope, trusting that this new presence will strengthen the bonds of fraternity and inspire many to live out Christ’s prayer: “That they may all be one.”
By Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatchgh.com
Photo Credit: Samuel Kodjo Mensah
