Amid Ghana’s Dwindling Catholic Population, Bishops Want “those experiencing a crisis of faith” Re-evangelized

“This is a call for renewed zeal and vigour and strategies which are suited to the needs of the time,” they say, referring to the December 1975 Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Paul VI on Evangelization in the Modern World, Evangelii Nuntiandi.

During the five-day Plenary Assembly that concluded on November 15, GCBC members reflected on the protracted violence in Ghana’s region of Bawku, which has reportedly caused displacement of people and loss of human life and livelihoods for survivors.

The Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year guided the Catholic Bishops’ Plenary Assembly that was realized under the theme, “Jubilee Year: A Time to Proclaim Christ, Hope for the Church and Ghana.”

In his speech at the opening of the Plenary Assembly, GCBC President said that the theme of their Plenary Assembly was an invitation for the Bishops in the West African nation to “reflect on several key aspects,” including the fostering of hope in the country, hope in the Church, and renewal among others.

“Our theme speaks of proclaiming Christ as the hope for Ghana,” Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi said, adding that during the Plenary Assembly, GCBC members that the mandate to “explore how faith can bring hope to the Catholic population and all people of goodwill in Ghana.”

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In their collective statement, GCBC members say that the Church looks at Jesus Christ as the guiding light. They go on to underline the need for pastoral agents to lead by example of they can succeed in getting the lapsed Christians back to faith.

They called for a renewed focus on Christ’s message and mission and encourage initiatives towards those in spiritual and emotional distress. By doing so, they say, the Church can reaffirm its role as “a beacon of hope and unity”.

This mission, though challenging, is essential for revitalizing the faith of both active and lapsed Catholics, GCBC members say, adding that the mission also serves as an invitation to non-Catholics to encounter the transformative power of the Gospel.

They challenge the 71% of Ghanaians, who reportedly identify themselves as Christians to make their Christian faith visible as to reflect in all areas of Ghana’s shared life.

Hoping in the person of Jesus Christ can shape the broader social, cultural, and national life of the country, Ghana’s Catholic Bishops say, adding, “Our hope in Him must be seen to be directing all aspects of our collective realities.”

“As we journey through this Jubilee Year, may its significance as a time for reflection, renewal, and reaffirmation of our commitment to Christ, the eternal hope of the Church and our beloved nation, Ghana, not elude us,” GCBC members say.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.