Catholic Groups in Ghana Condemn U.S.-based Journalist’s Insults against Bishops

The declaration of the Bishops followed the decision by Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to suspend their signing of the pact that compelled political parties to disband vigilantes.

In their one-page statement, the Catholic youth under GHANCYC cautioned that while all citizens are allowed to exercise their rights of freedom of speech, “that right also comes with responsibilities” and “it should be devoid of insults and castigations since they have a tendency to cause violence in the long run.”

Signed by GHANCYC’s General Secretary, Dennis Appiah-Sasraku and Chairperson, Joyce Osei-Bonsu, the Catholic youth acknowledge the deliberate process of having collective pronouncements from the Catholic Bishops in Ghana stating, “The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference does not come out on issues without carefully analyzing all the pros and cons before coming on air.”

“The future of this country lies with the youth and we cannot continue to be used as thugs for the selfish interest of any political party,” GHANCYC note in their collective statement and add, “We pray that all stakeholders continue to dialogue to ensure that this pathway to ending vigilantism sees the light of day.”

The body of the youth, in their statement, pledge support to the Catholic Bishops in Ghana saying, “We firmly stand by our bishops in supporting other stakeholders which include political parties in the quest to eliminate political vigilantism in our political landscape.”

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The youth add, “We encourage all stakeholders to continue discussions towards eradicating vigilantism in our electoral processes to safeguard the peace and tranquility existing in our dear nation.”

On their part, members of the Ghana chapter of the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of St. John International (KSJI), a Catholic- affiliated society, have also weighed in on the controversial U.S.-based Ghanaian journalist in a February 17 statement seen by ACI Africa.

“We have observed with dismay the circulation of certain video recording with the voice and picture of one Ekow Kevin Taylor and in the said video, Mr. Taylor is heard raining insults on various religious leaders in the country (Ghana) including the Catholic Bishops,” the members of KSJI have stated.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the use of such foul language in video recordings and making such recordings go viral is condemnable and ought not to be allowed,” the members have added in their collective statement signed by Supreme Subordinate Commandery President, Ghana, Peter Sangber-Dery, and Supreme Subordinate Ladies Auxiliary President, Ghana, Noble Sister Eugenia Enyimayew.

In their one-page statement, KSJI members defend the Catholic Bishops in Ghana and fault the journalist for not considering the context of the Bishops’ pronouncement.

“It is unfortunate that Taylor would take a matter completely out of context and pour such uncalled-for vituperations on innocent, respectable, and law-abiding citizens, who have been sacrificing a lot to help promote peace in the country,” the members of KSJI state. 

The members express their support for Catholic Bishops in Ghana saying, “We hereby state our unflinching support for our Bishops and the clergy in general and encourage them to disregard such distractive comments and remain focused on their individual and collective efforts towards shepherding their flock, as well as helping to promote peace and good governance in the country.”