Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, delivered a homily at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Community in Tseaddo, urging members to actively protect the environment and oppose practices that destroy Ghana’s natural resources.
During his pastoral visit, the Archbishop confirmed 24 people into the Catholic faith and highlighted the serious risks posed by water pollution and land degradation across the country. He said the destruction of the environment has consequences that extend beyond the loss of natural resources, affecting what people consume and how they live.
Drawing on the life of St Francis, Kwofie stressed that the saint’s deep respect for creation should serve as a model for Christians today. "You know about Francis, his care for creation and his care for the environment. He loved the created order. Creation was our God’s masterpiece of art," he said, referencing St Francis’ Canticle of the Sun.
He called on the congregation to see environmental protection as part of their Christian responsibility, urging them to stand against injustice done to the environment. "Following Jesus is not easy. It is not a part‑time job. To be His disciples is to follow Him wholly and entirely," the Archbishop added, demanding total commitment from the faithful.
The St Francis community, which has been operating from temporary structures for eight years, is also working to secure land for a permanent place of worship. Chairperson Emmanuel Ani Acquah noted that the lack of a permanent structure has caused difficulties during the rainy season, including missing three consecutive Sunday Masses.
In closing, Archbishop Kwofie encouraged the faithful to respond to life’s challenges with prayer and trust, allowing truth, honour, purity and justice to guide their conduct while rejecting falsehood, dishonour and injustice.
The visit marks a milestone for the community, but the Archbishop warned that it is only the beginning of their journey to acquire land and build a church that reflects their love for the area.
