As part of the 2026 Annual Plenary Assembly at the Divine Providence Pastoral and Formation Centre, Jamasi, Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference have embarked on a symbolic tree-planting exercise to commemorate their historic 12 days of gathering in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese.
Held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the activity brought together the Catholic Bishops of Ghana, priests and other officials of the Conference who planted and watered about 30 seedlings across the extensive grounds of the Pastoral and Formation Centre, creating a lasting memorial of their meeting at Jamasi.
The Director of the Pastoral Centre, Rev. Fr. Isaac Nti Asamoah, explained that the exercise went beyond symbolism, describing it as a concrete expression of faith that represents growth, hope and continuity in the life of the Church in Ghana.
According to him, the symbolic act is deeply rooted in Genesis 2:15. “In the encyclical Laudato Si’, the Church teaches that human beings are stewards, not masters of the earth. As Bishops, our faith calls us to care for God’s creation. Planting these trees is concrete,” he said.
He disclosed that about 30 seedlings, provided by the Forestry Commission, were planted. “It is a concrete way of living the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si’. We saw that it was necessary, it was expedient, that we do this for the Church, for the world, for Ghana, to see that we are practically living what is written in the encyclical,” Fr. Nti Asamoah added.
The initiative further highlights the Church’s strong dedication to protecting the environment, at a time when Ghana and the rest of the world continue to face the challenges of climate change, deforestation and ecological degradation. It is in line with Pope Francis’ encyclical _Laudato Si’_, which urges all people of goodwill to safeguard our common home and embrace sustainable ways of living that preserve creation for posterity.
During the exercise, some Bishops remarked that planting a tree is itself a form of prayer, an act of accountability to the earth which nourishes us, and a legacy for future generations who will benefit from its shade and fruits.
The tranquil setting of the Divine Providence Pastoral and Formation Centre offered an ideal environment for the exercise, with the newly planted trees set to improve the vegetation cover of the Centre and stand as a permanent reminder of the Plenary Assembly hosted by the Konongo-Mampong Diocese.
As the Bishops round up their Assembly, it is clear that in addition to discussing pastoral and national concerns, they have sent a powerful message that care for creation remains a vital dimension of evangelization and a true manifestation of Catholic faith in practice.
By Robert Dela Mawuenyegah
