10-year Strategic Plan for Ghana’s Tamale Archdiocese to Foster Catholic Youth Formation

Launched under the theme, “Mobilizing for the transformation of the Archdiocese of Tamale through evangelization, peace building and sustainable development,” the strategic plan has 74 objectives and 265 activities.

An estimated budget of 3 billion Ghanaian cedis (US$500 million) is needed for its implementation. 

“It is my hope that we will be able within a short time through networking with the NGOs and with the government to get the funds that we need to implement this plan,” the Catholic Church leader said during the July 31 event.

The strategic plan, Archbishop Naameh further said, seeks to “strengthen the Catholic Church’s social, economic, spiritual and evangelizing mission in all parishes, institutions and also catchment areas within the Tamale Archdiocese.”

“The plan also seeks to establish God’s kingdom, uniting people in a sustainable peaceful environment to proclaim God’s words through human promotion for quality of life and development,” the Local Ordinary of Tamale Archdiocese who doubles as President of Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) added.

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He noted that the plan is expected to “contribute to improved livelihoods and economic empowerment of the people in the Archdiocese.”

Archbishop Naameh called on Ghanaians to “be empowered to use their potentials to develop the country rather than depending on foreign aids.”

He added, “Tamale had a bad name for some time. It was like a city of conflict. We want to erase this forever.”

“Let people come to love peace,” he said, and continued, “Let people come to integrate the others even if they are a minority because each and everyone living in Tamale and in the northern regions has something to offer to everybody.”

The Ghanaian Archbishop further said, “It is important that we learn to accept one another and to live with one another in peace. This is the real development that we are looking for. It is not just jobs or money but that wherever people live together, they collaborate with one another to build an environment where each one is needed.”

The guest of honor at the July 31 event, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu who is the Northern Regional Minister, said that the strategic plan would promote sustainable development in the entire Region.

“We are grateful to the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale for instituting the strategic plan, which we believe would help to eradicate poverty, promote good health and quality education among others, in the Tamale Metropolis,” Mr. Saibu said.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.