Ghana hosts 5th delegates congress of regional union of Catholic Priests of West Africa

The National Union of Ghana Diocesan Priests' Association (NUGDPA) will host the 5th delegates congress of the Regional Union of Priests of West Africa from November 6 to 11. The Congress which is on the theme "Behold Your Mother: Mary in the heart of priestly ministry," will be held at the Catholic Diocesan pastoral centre, Koforidua.

Speaking in an interview in Accra, the public relations officer of NUGDPA, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe said the congress will among others serve as a forum to promote and foster a common reflection of the life and ministry of the Diocesan Priest in West Africa and present an opportunity for delegates to discuss the welfare of priests in the West African sub-region.

He added that the congress will officially open on Tuesday November 7 at the St. Bakhita Parish hall in Koforidua following the arrival of the last batch of delegates on Monday 6th November.

The President of NUGDPA, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis Appiah-Kubi has expressed his joy in anticipation to welcome brothers of the priestly ministry to Ghana. He also indicated that respective delegates are more than happy to be coming to Ghana and that NUGDPA is doing everything possible to make this year’s Congress an outstanding one through the organizational prowess of the Accra Archdiocesan Priests’ Association and Koforidua Diocesan Priests’ Association.

Some dignitaries expected at the opening ceremony include the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich and Most Rev. Michael Apochi, Bishop of the Diocese of Otukpo in Nigeria and the Episcopal Chairman for priests in the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (R.E.C.O.W.A.).

Participating countries expected to be represented at this year’s Congress are Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Niger, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo and Sierra Leone. The Congress is expected to be closed on Saturday the 11th of November, 2017.

The Union is in line with the universal mission entrusted to the Church that all Catholic Diocesan Priests come together under one umbrella in response to the Lord's call of bringing the good news to West Africa in collaboration with their Bishops.

The Regional Union of Priests of West Africa has its objectives as to promote among members, interest in cultural studies that would enhance and encourage the incarnation of Christ in their way of life, and also seek to promote justice and peace, integral human development and preferential option for the poor.