President Mahama pledges stronger state-church partnership as Donkorkrom gets first Bishop

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering the partnership between the government and faith-based institutions, aiming to foster peace, unity, and national development.

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Today is more than the installation of a Bishop. Today, history is being made. A new Diocese has been established, a new shepherd has been entrusted with the care of God's people and a new chapter has begun.

Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, conveyed this assurance during the installation of Most Reverend John Alphonse Asiedu as the first Bishop of the newly established Catholic Diocese of Donkorkrom. Afriyie-Ankrah described the event as historic, marking a new chapter for Catholic faithful in Donkorkrom, the Afram Plains, and surrounding communities.

He lauded the Catholic Church's substantial contributions to Ghana's progress through education, healthcare, social services, and vocational training. Afriyie-Ankrah emphasized that national development extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass values, discipline, and integrity. "Government alone cannot build the Ghana we all desire. We need strong families, responsible citizens, principled leaders and faith communities that continue to inspire hope, peace and moral responsibility," he stated.

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Government alone cannot build the Ghana we all desire. We need strong families, responsible citizens, principled leaders and faith communities that continue to inspire hope, peace and moral responsibility.

The envoy reiterated President Mahama's dedication to deepening collaboration with all faith communities for collective national advancement. He stressed the importance of religious diversity as a unifying force, stating, "Our religious diversity must never divide us. It must unite us. Our different beliefs must never become walls between us; they must become bridges towards peace, understanding and national unity."

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Our religious diversity must never divide us. It must unite us. Our different beliefs must never become walls between us; they must become bridges towards peace, understanding and national unity.

Afriyie-Ankrah expressed confidence in Bishop Asiedu's leadership, anticipating that he would guide the new Diocese with humility and wisdom, strengthening faith, uniting communities, and inspiring the youth. He concluded with an optimistic outlook, declaring, "I believe Ghana's greatest days are still ahead of us."

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I believe Ghana's greatest days are still ahead of us.