Thousands of Catholics, alongside diverse religious groups and traditional leaders, assembled at the Wa Malik Jaabre Sports Stadium for the second edition of the Global Rosary Congress. The three‑day spiritual gathering, aimed at promoting evangelisation and peace, attracted high‑profile clerics and state officials who championed religious harmony and spiritual renewal.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Peter Paul Yelezuome of the Damango Diocese urged Christians to view the Rosary as a dynamic tool for evangelisation rather than a passive tradition. He challenged the faithful to witness Christ’s teachings in daily life to counter societal vulnerabilities such as poverty, illiteracy and tribal tensions that threaten regional peace. “The rosary must be used as a weapon of prayer, not merely an accessory,” he said, calling for prayers to be paired with concrete acts of Christian charity.
Reverend Father David Obeng Paintsil, founder and leader of the Global Rosary Network, recounted how the Congress evolved from digital prayer sessions during the 2022 pandemic closures. He shared a personal testimony of surviving a near‑fatal car accident in 2016, crediting the Blessed Virgin Mary for his miraculous escape. “The doors were opened on their own. No human intervention. The seat belt was released,” he recalled, noting the incident solidified his commitment to spreading the Rosary.
Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing expressed enthusiasm for hosting the event, emphasising the devotion’s capacity to foster peace and mutual respect across different religious denominations. He pledged to purchase 50 rosaries for attendees lacking prayer beads. The traditional leadership also backed the Congress. Wa Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV’s representative, Divisional Chief Naa Wayodi Saaka, highlighted the deep‑rooted religious tolerance in the municipality, stating, “Whether Muslim, Christian, or traditionalist, we are all one people under one skin.” He affirmed the palace’s belief that where prayer goes up, blessings come down.
The congress concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen interfaith dialogue and community solidarity in Wa and beyond.
