President Mahama hails Catholic Diocese as indispensable partner in Ghana's development

President John Dramani Mahama has recognized the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese as an essential partner in Ghana's national development, celebrating its extensive contributions over 120 years. The President's message, delivered by Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah at the Diocese's anniversary celebration, praised its impact on education, healthcare, social justice, and community transformation in the Upper East Region.

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Today is not merely an anniversary. It is a celebration of 120 years of faith, sacrifice, service, evangelisation and transformation.

"Today is not merely an anniversary. It is a celebration of 120 years of faith, sacrifice, service, evangelisation and transformation," the President stated, honoring the pioneering missionaries, clergy, and faithful whose dedication shaped the influential faith community. He underscored that the Diocese's influence extends beyond its spiritual mission, deeply intertwining with the development narrative of the Upper East Region and Ghana as a whole.

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Indeed, the story of the Diocese is inseparable from the story of the development of the Upper East Region and Ghana as a whole.

Reflecting on the anniversary theme, "Beyond 120 Years as a Local Church: Embracing Synodality in the Spirit of Evangelisation and Service," President Mahama drew parallels between the principle of synodality, walking together through dialogue and shared responsibility, and Ghana's national development goals. He stressed that Ghana's progress hinges on robust collaboration among government, faith communities, traditional authorities, civil society, the private sector, and citizens. "As a nation, Ghana continues to navigate economic challenges, social changes, technological transformation and the aspirations of a growing youthful population. The future we seek can only be achieved when we work together in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect," the President's message read.

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As a nation, Ghana continues to navigate economic challenges, social changes, technological transformation and the aspirations of a growing youthful population. The future we seek can only be achieved when we work together in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.

President Mahama also highlighted pressing national challenges, including youth unemployment, social exclusion, substance abuse, family instability, corruption, and the erosion of societal values. He asserted that these issues require collective action, stating, "Government alone cannot solve these challenges. We need strong institutions, committed communities and faith-based organizations that continue to inspire hope and responsibility." Afriyie-Ankrah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role faith-based organizations play in addressing these societal issues.

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Government alone cannot solve these challenges. We need strong institutions, committed communities and faith-based organizations that continue to inspire hope and responsibility.