Focal Persons for Safeguarding in Ghana

Safeguarding Workshop: 56 Religious Sisters Unite in Kumasi for Intensive Training KUMASI, GHANA – In a proactive move to reinforce the safety of children and vulnerable adults, 56 Religious Sisters from various congregations across Ghana have convened at the Christian Village in Santasi, Kumasi, for a five-day intensive safeguarding workshop. Running from April 13 to April 17, 2026, the event brings together designated Focal Persons to deepen their expertise in ethical boundaries, legal frameworks, and proactive protection strategies. A Call to be “Vectors” of Care The workshop officially opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ramah. In a moving homily, Fr. Ramah urged participants to act as “shepherds and protectors” of the marginalized. He introduced the “VECTOR” framework as a cornerstone for safeguarding: Value each person in Jesus Encourage one another Commit to the well-being of others Trust and Participate together Opportunity to overcome evil Review our actions Strengthening the Mission

Sr. Theodora Adzayawo, SMMC, Executive Secretary of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana (CMSR-Gh), delivered the welcome address on behalf of Conference President Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC. “Our mission is not only to serve but to ensure that every environment we create is a sanctuary of safety and respect,” Sr. Theodora emphasized, highlighting the Conference’s commitment to transparency and human dignity. Turning Theory into Practice.

Safeguarding Focal Persons' Training

The week’s agenda, led by a dedicated team of facilitators including Sr. Bernadine Pemii, DC, Sr. Rejoice Enyonam Hoedoafia, SDLM, Sr. Bernadette Dery, SSpS, Sr. Olivia Umoh, DC, and Fr. Gregory Dery, focuses on: Policy Development: Equipping Sisters to implement standards in schools, clinics, and parishes. Knowledge Sharing: Exchanging best practices across different ministries. Networking: Establishing a nationwide support system of trained “Safeguarding Leads.” This gathering marks a unified front for Religious in Ghana, ensuring that the Church remains a safe harbor for the most vulnerable in society. By: Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC (CASCON-GH)

Communique

The Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) and Africa Religious Union, Ghana (ARUG) has held a joint conference in Kumasi, Christian Village-Santasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa. At the end of the conference, the participants have come out with a communique. Below is the Communique issued. COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE JOINT RECOMSWA/ARUG CONFERENCE HELD AT CHRISTIAN VILLAGE, SANTASI, KUMASI, GHANA, ON THE THEME “CONSECRATED LIFE FOR TRANSFORMATION” FROM MARCH 12-15, 2026 Preamble We, the members of the Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) and the Africa Religious Union, Ghana (ARUG), gathered for a joint conference in the garden city of Kumasi from March 12th to 15th, 2026, under the theme: “Consecrated Life for Transformation.” Through prayer, dialogue, and honest reflection, we confronted the realities affecting our vocation and emerged with a renewed commitment to action. Appreciation We appreciate the warm hospitality and support of the Chief Shepherd of the Kumasi Archdiocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, and Archbishop Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong, the Clergy and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. We appreciate the Apostolic Nuncio of Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kabore, the delegation from Rome, Sr. Tiziana Merletti SFP, the Secretary of Dicastery for the Institute of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and Fr. Clement Nandou, OSA. We were blessed with the presence of Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi (President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference), Most Rev. John Kobina Louis (Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Episcopal Chairperson for Clergy and Consecrated Life), Fr. Vincent de Paul Boro, deputy General Secretary of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa, as well as the President and leadership of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious Ghana (CSMR-Gh). A moment of kairos We recognise this gathering as a true Kairos moment—a divinely appointed time. We understand that leadership is about service and sacrifice (cf. Matthew 20: 22-28). The joy we have experienced in sharing our stories, our challenges, and our hopes has been a profound confirmation that the Holy Spirit is calling us to move beyond simple collaboration toward a more permanent and structured unity in the spread of the Gospel through our vocation.

RECOMSWA AND ARUG CONFERENCE, Kumasi, Ghana 2026

It has been a truly enriching and impactful moment of shared fraternity and common purpose. We are grateful to God for this unique experience of grace! A moment of introspection Our discussions also compelled us to honestly confront the challenges we face: • The worrying number of religious leaving consecrated life prompts us to examine whether our communities are truly places of life, joy, and genuine fraternity. • We acknowledge the persistent temptation to view leadership as power, leading to abuses of authority, judgmental attitudes, and a lack of mercy. • We recognise the drift from our core mission and the need to ensure our formation and commitments translate into authentic service, not a mere “job.” • We note the challenge of unhealthy competition and the need for greater accountability in the administration of goods and gifts. • We acknowledged with pain the profound impact of trauma and abuse of power on the mental health and well-being of consecrated persons. • We broke the silence surrounding sexual violence, recognising the paralysing role of shame that prevents healing. • We admitted that vulnerabilities within consecrated life: rigid obedience, inadequate formation, and imbalanced power, are often exploited. Our Vision for Transformative Consecrated Life Our time together has made us deepen our understanding of true leadership which is one that flows from an intimate relationship with Christ (cf. John 21:15-19). Our vision of transformative leadership is characterised as: • Merciful: Compassionate, slow to judge, and quick to forgive. • Healing: Prioritising mental health and safeguarding the dignity of every person. • Synodal: Rooted in listening, dialogue, and co-responsibility. • Accountable: Transparent in governance and faithful to civil and canonical law regarding safeguarding. • Servant: Exercised through sacrifice and accompaniment, not control. Our Commitments Called to be witnesses of hope and persons of transformation, we commit ourselves and invite all Consecrated Persons in West Africa to: 1. Establish Safeguarding Protocols: Every community must implement transparent policies for prevention and response to abuse, in line with the law. 2. Foster a Culture of Safety: Break the silence and shame by creating safe spaces and providing support for survivors. 3. Prioritise Mental Health: Integrate mental health awareness into formation and community life. 4. Address Vulnerabilities: Identify and correct power imbalances and formation gaps that enable harm. 5. Ensure Accountability: Demand transparency in the administration of authority and goods. 6. Invest in Formation: Train leaders in synodal methods, communication, and collaborative skills.

RECOMSWA AND ARUG CONFERENCE 2026

Conclusion We are renewed in our conviction that the future of consecrated life depends on leaders who are transformed by Christ and who lead with mercy, humility, and a synodal spirit. A transformed, healed and authentic consecrated life is possible in the spirit of our faith (cf. Matthew 16:15-19). By confronting our wounds with courage and embracing leadership as merciful service, we become a leaven of hope for the Church in West Africa and a credible sign of God’s love. May Mary, the Mother of Mercy and the first disciple, intercede for us as we strive to live out this calling. Issued at Kumasi, Ghana, 15th Day of March, 2026. Rev. Fr. Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, SMA (President, RECOMSWA) Rev. Fr. Bernard Adjei Appiah, SVD (President, ARUG) Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC (President, CMSR-GH)

CMSR-GH PAID A CURTESY CALL ON THE NUNCIO

The executives of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana, paid a curtesy call on the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Eminence, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré. The executives, lead by Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC, the President of the Conference deemed it necessary to officially introduce themselves to the Nuncio. This official visit came off on 4th December 2025.

Message from CMSR-Gh

The President of the CMSR-GH's Message

The President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana (CMSR-GH), Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC has sent a message to all Consecrated men and women on February 2, 2026.

RECOMSWA AND ARUG CONFERENCE, 2026

The President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious -Ghana (CMSR-Gh), Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC and the entire members of the Conference are inviting you to join them mark a special event as Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) and Africa Religious Union, Ghana (ARUG) come together to have a conference in Ghana. This Conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026 to Sunday,March 15, 2026 at the Christian Village in the Ashanti Region of Ghana,West Africa. The theme for the conference is; "CONSECRATED LIFE FOR TRANSFORMATION" The Guest Speaker for this August event is Rev. Sr. Simona Brambila, MC, the Perfect of the the Decastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. You are warmly welcome to Ghana. For more information, kindly contact the following people: Sr. Theodora Adzayawo, SMMC Executive Secretary (CMSR-Gh) +233203746259 Rev Fr. Paul Ennin, SMA, President (RECOMSWA) +233541931560 Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC, President (CMSR-Gh) +233204109289 Rev. Fr. Benard Appiah Agyei, SVD, President (ARUG) +2330244720008

Season's Greetings

The President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana (CMSR-Gh), Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometorwu, SMMC, on behalf of the Conference, extend her warmest Season's greetings to you. May the birth of Jesus Christ bring you hope and comfort. May you enter the new year 2026 with hope, love and fulfillment. Amen.

CMSR-Gh and Madagascar held a Conference

The Conference of Major Superiors of Consecrated Life -Africa and Madagascar holds its 2025 Symposium and 6th Annual General Meeting in South Africa. The event is scheduled to took place in Johannesburg and Pretoria, from 23rd to 30th May, 2025, under the theme “Hope, Synodality and the Empowerment of Consecrated Life in Africa.” Kindly follow the link to get the details about this event: https://newswatchgh.com/conference-of-major-superiors-of-africa-and-madagascar-symposium-to-be-held-in-south-africa/

Climax of Jubilee Year, 2025

The Consecrated people of Ghana, West Africa climaxed Jubilee Year at National level. This historic event came off from 30th January to 2nd February at Sunyani Pastoral/Retreat Centre.

CMSR-GH Welcomes Nuncio

CMSR-GH visited the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev Julien Kaboré to officially welcome him and pledge their support of the Conference. Kindly follow the link for the full story: Conference of Major Superiors Pay Courtesy Call on New Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana https://newswatchgh.com/conference-of-major-superiors-pay-courtesy-call-on-new-apostolic-nuncio-to-ghana/

The Nuncio and the President of the CMSR-Gh

Nuncio interacting with the delegates CMSR-Gh

Delegates in the Nunciature chapel

The delegates of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious -Ghana participated in the Liturgy of the Word with the Nuncio to begin their interaction with him.

The Nuncio and the Delegates of the CMSR-GH

Nuncio had Liturgy of the Word with delegates

CMSR-GH Mourned Pope Francis

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE The President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious -Ghana (CMSR-Gh), Rev. Fr Paul Saa-Dede Ennin, SMA extended condolences to the Holy See through the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency, Most Rev Julien Kaboré, on behalf of the Conference as the Catholic Church Mourns Pope Francis. The following is the content of the message from the Conference. "It is with heavy hearts that we write to express our deepest sympathies at the passing on of our Supreme Pontiff, His Holiness Pope Francis whom God was pleased to call to His eternal home on Monday 21st April 2025. We had prayed for his total recovery even after he was discharged from Gemelli Hospital and were relieved when we heard his health had improved."

"We least expected such sudden news of his passing. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis was very dear to us and a great source of encouragement and hope to a world devastated by diseases, famine and intense suffering of vulnerable people. His advocacy for social equity and justice, and defense of the marginalized, and maintaining global peace are worth remembering. His inspiring Encyclicals - Fratelli Tutti, Laudato Si, Amoris Laetitia, Evangelii Gaudium and many other Exhortations - are legacies he has left us with. As a Conference we chose care of creation as our Jubilee Celebration activity drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ call to the world to “care for our common home”. He was a true shepherd who “had the odour of his flock” on him. His was a pontificate of the “peripheries” and he will surely be remembered as the “Pope of the peripheries”, the peoples’ Pope. We are consoled by our faith in the Resurrection. We join in prayer that our departed Holy Father will share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Our Risen Lord. Kindly communicate our sympathies to the Holy See." Signed by Rev. Fr Paul Saa-Dede Ennin, SMA on 23rd April, 2025.

"We least expected such sudden news of his passing. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis was very dear to us and a great source of encouragement and hope to a world devastated by diseases, famine and intense suffering of vulnerable people. His advocacy for social equity and justice, and defense of the marginalized, and maintaining global peace are worth remembering. His inspiring Encyclicals - Fratelli Tutti, Laudato Si, Amoris Laetitia, Evangelii Gaudium and many other Exhortations - are legacies he has left us with. As a Conference we chose care of creation as our Jubilee Celebration activity drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ call to the world to “care for our common home”. He was a true shepherd who “had the odour of his flock” on him. His was a pontificate of the “peripheries” and he will surely be remembered as the “Pope of the peripheries”, the peoples’ Pope. We are consoled by our faith in the Resurrection. We join in prayer that our departed Holy Father will share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Our Risen Lord. Kindly communicate our sympathies to the Holy See." Signed by Rev. Fr Paul Saa-Dede Ennin, SMA on 23rd April, 2025.