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Tag: Catholic Bishops

  • Catholic Bishops, Christian Council bemoan absence from National Education Forum

    Catholic Bishops, Christian Council bemoan absence from National Education Forum

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) have voiced strong dissatisfaction over their exclusion from the upcoming National Education Forum set for February 18 and 19, 2025.

    In a joint statement released on Monday, February 17, the two religious organizations criticized the government’s decision to leave them out of a crucial dialogue on education, despite their historical contributions to Ghana’s academic landscape.

    “While the list of invited national-level stakeholders includes some organisations associated with our two institutions, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council as such were excluded from it,” the statement noted. The religious bodies described this omission as perplexing, considering their long-standing role in providing quality education.

    With an extensive network of mission schools across the country, the GCBC and CCG argued that excluding them from the discussions undermines the spirit of collaboration needed for effective and inclusive education policies.

    “Our exclusion from this vital forum undermines the collaborative spirit that is essential to the success of any educational policy or reform,” they stated.

    The press release was signed by Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dela Dogbe, Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana.

    They further cautioned that sidelining key players in the sector could result in policies that fail to align with the needs and values of the Ghanaian people.

    “The national discourse on education requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including religious bodies, educators, and parents, whose input can guide the formation of policies that align with the values, traditions, and aspirations of the people of Ghana,” the statement continued.

    The GCBC and CCG urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision and ensure that all relevant voices are included in shaping the future of education.

    “We believe that the absence of the GCBC and CCG at this forum is a disservice to the broader educational community and the ideals of inclusivity and shared responsibility in national development.”

    Reaffirming their dedication to Ghana’s education sector, they stressed that meaningful reform can only be achieved through genuine consultation and cooperation.

    “It is our firm belief that only through genuine consultation and partnership can we achieve the holistic educational reform that Ghana so desperately needs.”

    The statement concluded with an assurance of their readiness to engage constructively with the government and other stakeholders to uphold high-quality and value-driven education.

    “We stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue for the betterment of education in Ghana.”

  • Address electoral disputes with integrity, rule of law – Catholic Bishops to Judiciary

    Address electoral disputes with integrity, rule of law – Catholic Bishops to Judiciary

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has called on the judiciary to uphold integrity, fairness, and impartiality when adjudicating any electoral disputes as Ghana prepares for its December 7 general elections.

    The Conference’s president delivered the admonishment, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, who emphasized the critical role the judiciary plays in maintaining the democratic process, especially in times of heightened political tension.

    With a history of electoral disputes in the country, the Bishops’ Conference underscored the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process. Most Rev. Gyamfi cited two prominent examples from the past decade, in which the judiciary was called upon to resolve presidential election disputes.

    In 2012, then-opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) contested the election results, alleging electoral irregularities. The Supreme Court of Ghana was tasked with reviewing the evidence and ultimately ruled in favour of the incumbent, John Dramani Mahama.

    A similar situation unfolded in 2020 when former President Mahama, in opposition, challenged the re-election of Nana Akufo-Addo. Once again, the judiciary played a pivotal role in settling the dispute.

    In his recent address, Most Rev. Gyamfi urged the judiciary to maintain its high standards of justice in the face of any future electoral disputes. He stressed that public confidence in the courts is essential for peace and stability.

    “We appeal to the judiciary to continue upholding justice with fairness and impartiality. In the event of electoral disputes, we trust that the judiciary will address them with the utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law,” he stated. “The judiciary’s role in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process cannot be overstated.”

    The Bishops’ Conference emphasized that a transparent judicial process would help secure the future of the country, as the courts’ decisions during election periods have profound implications for national peace and cohesion.

  • Jailing LGBTQ members will not end homosexuality – Catholic Bishops

    Jailing LGBTQ members will not end homosexuality – Catholic Bishops

    The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has stressed that imprisoning homosexuals will not eliminate homosexuality; rather, it may worsen such behaviors.

    He is advocating for a reconsideration of the penalties outlined in the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill.

    Reverend Gyamfi argues that incarcerating individuals with such inclinations in Ghana’s inadequate prison facilities may only reinforce their behavior instead of facilitating rehabilitation.

    In an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, February 29, he underscored the importance of implementing corrective and reformative measures within the prison system to prevent potential adverse outcomes.

    “We think that in the case of this particular law and the way it is being implemented, being placed in prison as the punishment that they have chosen, it is not going to solve the problem.

    “Because you see if you round up same-sex people, and you know our prisons, they are going to end up in the same room, and what is going to prevent them from going through these activities in the prison?”

    “And you are not going to put them there forever because they are going to be there for three months to six months.

    “And then they practice this and come out as more experts at it than when you sent them there. Then you release them back into society. So, what is going to happen?”

    “That is why we were concerned about a punishment that will correct them, that will reform them. So if the government is going this way or if the parliament is going this way that is why we are suggesting that in the prison there, they should add more of the corrective and reformative measures,” he stated.

    After nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament passed the highly controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ bill on Wednesday, February 28.

    Introduced in the House as a private members’ bill, the legislation received unanimous approval following the completion of the third reading.

    Under the provisions of the bill, individuals involved in prohibited activities may face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while sponsors and promoters could be sentenced to three to five years’ imprisonment.

    However, the bill has faced criticism from various quarters, with many citing different reasons for their objections.

  • “Uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation” – Catholic Bishops cry over current state of Ghana’s economy

    “Uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation” – Catholic Bishops cry over current state of Ghana’s economy

    President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, expressed concern about the present condition of Ghana’s economy despite its abundant natural resources.

    He argued that despite the commencement of oil production in 2010, there is little to show for it, with successive governments failing to effectively harness these resources.

    During the opening ceremony of the 2023 plenary assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sunyani, Rev. Gyamfi highlighted that the nation is facing a decline due to a lack of efficient utilisation of its natural resources.

    He pointed out that corruption has become prevalent, contributing to the country’s challenges.

    “There have been no significant positive changes in the economy since we became an oil-producing country. What happened to the gold and other mineral resources? Why are most of our roads in such a deplorable state? Why do we keep going to the IMF? Why do we keep borrowing so much when we are a rich nation?” he is quoted by citinewsroom.com to have said.

    He continued, “Both governments [NPP, NDC] keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive, uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation.

    It appears corruption is legalised. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy helps only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?”

    He also raised the question of whether Ghana’s constitution should undergo a review to address the persistent situation where the country continuously seeks financial assistance from foreigners despite possessing a wealth of natural resources.

    “Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption?

    “What about our Parliament where the interests of the people are sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?

    “Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation, etc.?

    “Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the governments of Ghana have been giving,” Rev Gyamfi concluded.

  • Rampant corruption suffocating the nation – Catholic Bishops’ conference

    Rampant corruption suffocating the nation – Catholic Bishops’ conference

    The Head of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has expressed deep concern over the widespread and uncontrolled corruption in Ghana, describing it as suffocating for the citizens.

    Despite being an oil-producing nation, he noted that the continuous impoverishment of the country is alarming. Rev. Gyamfi highlighted the debilitating impact of corruption, considering it pervasive and normalized.

    He questioned the efficacy of the current democratic system, which, in his observation, disproportionately benefits a select few while leaving the majority in economic hardship.

    Additionally, he criticized the bold impunity and arrogance displayed by certain politicians in defending corrupt practices and pointed out the deterioration in the country under successive governments.

    “Both governments keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation. It appears corruption is legalised. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy helps only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?”

    “Should the constitution not be changed or better for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption? What about our Parliament where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?” he questioned.

    He continued: “Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation etc.? Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the Governments of Ghana have been giving.”

  • Economic deterioration persists despite Ghana’s status as Oil Producer – President of Catholic Bishops

    Economic deterioration persists despite Ghana’s status as Oil Producer – President of Catholic Bishops

    The leader of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of Ghana’s economy, citing its extensive natural resources.

    Rev. Gyamfi pointed out that despite the commencement of oil production in 2010, Ghana has little to show for it, with successive governments falling short in harnessing these resources.

    He addressed these concerns during the opening ceremony of the 2023 plenary assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sunyani, emphasizing the prevalence of corruption contributing to the nation’s decline.

    “There have been no significant positive changes in the economy since we became an oil-producing country. What happened to the gold and other mineral resources? Why are most of our roads in such a deplorable state? Why do we keep going to the IMF? Why do we keep borrowing so much when we are a rich nation?” he is quoted by citinewsroom.com to have said.

    He continued, “Both governments [NPP, NDC] keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation. It appears corruption is legalized. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy help only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?”

    He went on to ask whether Ghana’s constitution needed to be reviewed in order to stop the nation from continuously looking to other countries for financial aid despite having an abundance of natural resources.

    “Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption? What about our Parliament where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?

    “Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation etc.? Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the Governments of Ghana have been giving,” Rev Gyamfi concluded.

  • No significant change! What happened to the gold, oil and others? – Catholic Bishops’ President quizzes govt

    No significant change! What happened to the gold, oil and others? – Catholic Bishops’ President quizzes govt

    The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of Ghana’s economy.

    Despite the country’s oil production and abundant mineral resources, he remarked that there is little to celebrate regarding the nation’s unstable economic conditions.

    “There have been no significant positive changes in the economy since we became an oil-producing country. What happened to the gold and other mineral resources? Why are most of our roads in such a deplorable state? Why do we keep going to the IMF? Why do we keep borrowing so much when we are a rich nation?” he quizzed.

    Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi delivered these comments on Monday, November 13, 2023, during the commencement of the 2023 plenary assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference held in the Sunyani Diocese.

    He also criticized successive governments for the significant decline in the country and the increasing levels of corruption.

    “Both governments keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation. It appears corruption is legalized. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy help only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?”

    “Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption? What about our Parliament where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?

    “Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation etc.? Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the Governments of Ghana have been giving.”

    He expressed that the political transformations across the continent should serve as a wake-up call for politicians to revise the constitution and legal systems peacefully within a democratic framework, ensuring that the government functions for the collective welfare of all the people of Ghana.

  • Corruption has been legalized and it is suffocating the country – Catholic Bishops’ President

    Corruption has been legalized and it is suffocating the country – Catholic Bishops’ President

    President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has voiced concern about the pervasive and uncontrolled corruption that he believes is stifling Ghana.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 plenary assembly in the Sunyani Diocese on November 13, 2023, Rev. Gyamfi expressed dismay over the country’s persistent impoverishment despite being an oil producer.

    “Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation etc.? Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the Governments of Ghana have been giving,” he said.

    He highlighted the debilitating impact of uncontrolled corruption, describing it as widespread and seemingly almost legalized. Rev. Gyamfi raised critical questions about the effectiveness of the current democratic system, which, in his view, disproportionately benefits a privileged few while leaving the majority of the population behind.

    Furthermore, he criticized the audacious impunity and arrogance displayed by some politicians in defending corrupt practices. Rev. Gyamfi also took aim at successive governments for the deterioration in the country and the surge in corruption.

    “Both governments keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation. It appears corruption is legalized. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy help only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?”

    “Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption? What about our Parliament where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?” he quizzed.

  • Conquering creditor committee barrier is a positive sign for recovery – Akufo Addo

    Conquering creditor committee barrier is a positive sign for recovery – Akufo Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the Paris Club’s creation of the Creditor Committee, which is co-chaired by China and France, and the subsequent granting of financing assurances are significant steps in securing Ghana’s eagerly awaited IMF facility.

    Describing it as the last hurdle, President Akufo-Addo said this means that “the sacrifices that the country has had to make this last year and the difficulties that we are going through, may be that at long last, we are going to see the beginning of the recovery, as with the approval of the IMF, we will be in a strong position to make other arrangements that will help our economy get back into a strong place.”

    Speaking about it barely a few hours after the announcement was made in Paris, the President told the delegation of the Catholic Bishops Conference who were on a courtesy visit to the Jubilee House, on Friday, 12th May, 2023, that the feat suggests “that hopefully, next Wednesday, the board itself will meet and may find an approval to the Ghanaian demand.”

    “So it is fortuitous, that of all the people who should be the first to hear this announcement directly from me, it is the delegation from the Catholic Bishops Conference.”

    Following tons of commendation of President for shepherding the nation dutifully despite challenging times globally, President Akufo-Addo appealed to the Bishops Conference to continue “this relationship of confidence and of trust between the Church and government.”

    Such hallowed endeavour, he added, “inures to the benefit of the Ghanaian people; that we continue to work together from our different angles and our different constituencies, having in mind the welfare of the people of this country.”

    He said “I’m very grateful for this visit and for the words of encouragement that you’ve given, the reason, apart from the fact that I’m a practicing Christian, I think that anybody who sits in this seat, has to recognise the immense that the Catholic Church and the Christian community is doing for the country, in so many areas. Talking about education, or health or the spiritual narrative of our population.

    Concluding on the substance of ensuring cordial ties with the church President Akufo_Addo stated that “the selfless work you are doing is so enormous for the welfare of our country and it is very important that the President should be very solicitous of whatever goes on in the Catholic Church even if he wasn’t a Christian, because the work that you are doing is immense for the country. So that’s been more than anything else the reason why I continue to forge relations of confidence and of intimacy with the church.”

  • Pope to permit women to cast ballots at the world bishops gathering

    Pope to permit women to cast ballots at the world bishops gathering

    At a forthcoming gathering of Catholic bishops in October, Pope Francis will grant women the right to join and cast a ballot for the first time.

    Ordinarily, only bishops are permitted to cast ballots at the synodal gathering.

    On Wednesday, Pope Francis approved regulations that will allow women and laypeople to participate in politics.

    The Vatican’s synod office stated that 50% of the 70 non-bishop members who can participate under the amendments should be women.

    A synod is a meeting of bishops called at the pope’s request to debate a particular subject. It is a consultative council that makes recommendations to the pope; it lacks the power to impose rules or alter church doctrine.

    At a forthcoming gathering of Catholic bishops in October, Pope Francis will grant women the right to join and cast a ballot for the first time.

    Ordinarily, only bishops are permitted to cast ballots at the synodal gathering.

    On Wednesday, Pope Francis approved regulations that will allow women and laypeople to participate in politics.

    The Vatican’s synod office stated that 50% of the 70 non-bishop members who can participate under the amendments should be women.

    A synod is a meeting of bishops called at the pope’s request to debate a particular subject. It is a consultative council that makes recommendations to the pope; it lacks the power to impose rules or alter church doctrine.

  • This is not the time for a National Cathedral President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference

    President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, has joined calls by many Ghanaians for the government not to prioritise the National Cathedral of Ghana project.

    According to the Archbishop, building a National Cathedral should not be a priority for the country, given the current hardships Ghanaians are going through, newswiregh.com.

    “Naturally, at this time, I will agree with you and many other critics that when you look at the economy and things that had to be destroyed in order that the Cathedral may come on, we can say that it is definitely not a priority,” Archbishop Naameh is quoted to have said in an interview with NewsWire GH.

    He further stated that since the National Cathedral was President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s promise to God, the president was expected to find the money for the project rather than using taxpayers’ money for it.

    “The whole thing started with the president who said he had a vision, and he made a promise to God that if he was elected president, this is what he would do for God. And so everybody expected that he was going to look for the money, and he has also promised that he was not going to use the taxpayer’s money for it. So, these are facts that are on the table, but I wouldn’t want to comment on them now.

    “But to say that at this present stage it is not a priority, that one I can say. We will prefer to be quiet until we receive the statutes which will contain the management and all that which we have requested for,” he added.

    The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who is also the Archbishop of Tamale, clarified Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, is not representing the church but was selected by President Akufo-Addo to be part of the project.

    The government has come under a lot of criticism by Ghanaians for its insistence on going on with the National Cathedral project even though the country was going through a lot of challenges. Some Ghanaians are saying that the National Cathedral project is Akufo-Addo’s personal promise to God and that there should not be a priority for the government.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Lets approach December polls with peace – Catholic Bishops Conference

    The Most Reverend Phillip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has called on Ghanaians to approach the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections with peace.

    He said elections were to deepen democracy by giving the citizenry the opportunity to choose a leader to champion development and not an avenue for fighting.

    Speaking at the official welcome Mass of the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana in Accra, Most Rev. Naameh said Ghanaians needed to speak out to both civil and religious authority with courage and point out hypocrisy, and reinstate justice and peace as the nation prepared to go to the polls.

    He said peace remained a precondition for rapid socioeconomic development and underscored the need for the citizenry to be advocate of peace ahead of the polls and shun undemocratic tendencies, including; the use of money to influence election outcomes.

    Most Rev. Naameh said monies spent to influence the electorate could be channeled into developmental projects for the people.

    “Such projects will impact the lives of the people better than throwing monies at voters for their votes,” he said and charged the Nuncio of the Catholic Church in Ghana to “fear not” in the delivery of his assignments.

    The Most Rev. Henry M. Jagodzinski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, extended greetings from the Holy Father, Pope Francis to the congregation in Ghana.

    He said he felt at home with the love and hospitality given him by the Church and the people of Ghana.

    The Nuncio, decorated the Archbishop of Accra, Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie with a pallium; an ecclesiastical vestment made of wool with six black crosses.

    This is bestowed by the Holy See upon metropolitans and primates as a symbol of their conferred jurisdictional authorities.

    He also donated some liturgical equipment to the Church.

    The Archbishop Palmer Buckle, Vice President, Catholic Bishops Conference, said the Nuncio, arrived in the country in September but had to subject himself to COVID-19 protocols as required by Government.

    He said the Nuncio, had earlier presented his credentials to the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference and the President of the Republic and welcomed the Nuncio on behalf of the entire Catholic congregation in Ghana.

    The Mass was conducted under strict observation of COVID-19 protocols.

    Source: GNA

  • Vigilantism, electoral violence can plague 2020 polls – Catholic Bishops warn

    Political party vigilantism and electoral violence described by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference as the “twin evils” threatens to plague the 2020 elections in December despite the enactment of legislation and the signing of inter-party code of conduct and road map to peace ahead of the polls, the Bishops have warned.

    To ensure free, fair and transparent elections, the Bishops are pleading with Ghanaians to strive against vigilantism and violence.

    It is recalled that in the just ended voter registration exercise, there were recorded incidence of violence at some registration centres.

    At Awutu Senya East constituency in the central region for example, the Member of Parliament Hawa Koomson fired a gun at a registration centre after a melee leading to the burning of motor bikes and disrupting the process.

    At Banda Ahenkro in the Bono Region, a graduate teacher was killed during a confrontation at a registration centre.

    Apart from these, pockets of violence were recorded across the country.

    These occurred despite an agreement between the two leading political parties the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disband political vigilante groups.

    Both parties are signatories to the Code of Conduct and Roadmap to ending political vigilantism developed by a technical committee following a series of dialogues organised by the National Peace Council.

    It is on the back of this that the Catholic Bishops said vigilantism needs to be exorcised to ensure a violent free election.

    In a pastoral letter titled: “Politics for nation building and social cohesion in Ghana”, the Bishops said: “These twin evils have again reared their ugly heads at recent elections and shockingly in the course of the voter registration exercise. If not duly exorcised from our body politic, these threaten to plague the 2020 elections, in spite of the enactment of legislations and the endorsement and signing of an inter-party code of conduct and road map to peace.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Give political parties fair and level playing ground in 2020 Elections Catholic Bishops to EC

    The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to give all political parties a fair and level playing ground to contest the upcoming elections.

    The Bishops are also appealing to all political parties and their members to support and respect the independence and verdicts of the Electoral Commission.

    This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the President of the Bishops Conference, Most Reverend Philip Naameh to begin 2020 Lenten Season.

    The Lenten season is on the Theme: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with God” (2 Cor 5:20).

    The Bishops encouraged all the stakeholders to continue to use the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) sessions to engage the EC on their grievances.

    They call on all Christians of voting age to exercise their civic responsibilities in the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections. “Following the footsteps of Jesus who did not shun his civil duties, all Christians should actively participate in the elections. We need to exercise our franchise conscientiously during the elections to secure a better country for tomorrow. We need to eschew the vote-buying syndrome and vote according to our conscience.

    6.1 We appeal to the President of the Republic of Ghana and the security agencies to provide the necessary and conducive environment devoid of fear, intimidation, and hooliganism. When people are not sure of their safety, they will not risk their lives to vote. Every human life is sacrosanct and needs to be protected. All Ghanaians must work hard to uphold the sanctity of human life before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”

    The statement said,” The security agencies should be on top of the situation by being tactful and practical to prevent electoral insecurity.”

    It said “We call on the Electoral Commission (EC) to remain an unbiased umpire to restore confidence in the electoral system. It should not be the case of “he who pays the piper calls the tune”.”

    “It is urged to conduct free, fair and transparent elections.

    Digital technologies have added zest to the ability of people to communicate. At this age, everybody is a journalist. We urge all Ghanaians to use social media, the internet, mobile phones, etc., in a more positive and better way. These devices are not to be used to fuel hate and violent speeches. Violence is the antithesis of peace and it prides itself on the sword. Jesus tells us: “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt 26:52). Today, the sword can take the form of multiple registrations, multiple voting, vigilantism, “macho” men who intimidate and steal ballot boxes, using the digital media to write and propagate damaging things. As we go to the polls this year, let all work harder than ever to shelve our swords of hatred, anger, bitterness, quarrels, and killings, and reach out to each other in peace. It should be noted that the violent show of passion obstructs peace and makes harmony a difficult thing to achieve.”

    Source: Mybrytfmonline

  • Well campaign against parties that refuse to sign vigilante roadmap Catholic Bishops

    The Catholic Bishop Conference has vowed to campaign any against any political party which fails to append its signature the comprehensive roadmap developed by the National Peace Council to deal with the threat of party vigilantism.

    The Opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) refused to sign the document arguing that key stakeholders like the Electoral Commission and the government agencies which have the sole responsibility to fully implement the roadmap were not added to the signatories of the document. A situation the NDC fines worrying.

    But the Secretary of the Catholic Bishop Conference, Rev. Lazarus Anane in an interview with Joy News said the Conference has very strong support for this course to end party vigilantism and urged the parties to take the move seriously.

    “Any party which does not demonstrate its commitment to ending this we will have no choice than to campaign against such parties. Because if we encourage this then we are not encouraging democracy.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Vatican synod proposes ordaining married men as priests in the Amazon

    Catholic bishops approved a proposal Saturday allowing some married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region.

    The proposal, which must be approved by Pope Francis, would be a historic change to the church’s centuries-old tradition of unmarried priests. It passed by a vote of 128-41 and applies only to some churches in the Amazon region that are experiencing a shortage of priests. The region includes parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

    The proposal, known as “viri probati,” refers to older Catholic men, who have stable families, are respected in their communities and who are already ordained as deacons in the church.

    Read:Pope admits clerical abuse of nuns including sexual slavery

    Allowing married men to become priests is not the same thing as allowing priests to marry, so the change would not affect the rule of celibacy for Catholic priests, who are not allowed to marry.

    Pope Francis must approve the proposal for it go into effect, something he said he hopes to respond to by the end of the year. The pope has previously stated he was open to studying the possibility of allowing married men to be ordained.

    Although the Catholic Church currently only ordains unmarried men to the priesthood, some converts, from Anglicanism for example, can become Catholic priests even if they are already married.

    Read:Pope Francis summons bishops to Vatican amid sexual abuse claims

    The proposal to ordain married men was one of the most contentious recommendations voted on Saturday evening at the conclusion of a three-week-long meeting at the Vatican to discuss environmental and religious issues affecting the Amazon region.

    The Vatican invited 184 bishops and priest from the Amazon region and around the world for the special meeting known as a synod. Thirty-five women, mostly religious sisters and nuns, were invited but did not have voting rights.

    Another proposal recommended continuing to study the possibility of ordaining women as deacons. A commission set up by Francis in 2016 did not result in any conclusive recommendations.

    Source: cnn.com