The Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) and the Africa Religious Union, Ghana (ARUG) have ended their joint conference in Kumasi with the issuing of a communique which touches on a range of issues.
The conference held from March 12 to 1, 2026, focused on the theme “Consecrated Life for Transformation”, brought together Consecrated persons from across the sub-region to discern their mission in a rapidly changing world.
The West African countries represented by the Superiors were Ghana Togo, Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, Cote D’voire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea, Senegal, Burkina Faso.
The Superiors were sent on Mission by symbolically receiving lighted candles presented by Sr. Tiziana Merletti, SFP, the secretary of the Dicastery for the institute of Consecrated Life and societies of Apostolic Life.
This ceremony took place during the Closing Mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica, Kumasi.
Rev. Fr. Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, SMA, the President of RECOMSWA expressed joy for the presence of other Superiors from the sub-region particularly the presence of Fr. Vincent de Paul Boro, Deputy General Secretary of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa.
Below is the Communique issued by RECOMSWA and ARUG to guide their mission.
It was read by Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC, an Executive Member of ARUG.
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. 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:
1. The worrying number of religious leaving consecrated life prompts us to examine whether our communities are truly places of life, joy, and genuine fraternity.
2. We acknowledge the persistent temptation to view leadership as power, leading to abuses of authority, judgmental attitudes, and a lack of mercy.
3. 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.”
4. We note the challenge of unhealthy competition and the need for greater accountability in the administration of goods and gifts.
5. We acknowledged with pain the profound impact of trauma and abuse of power on the mental health and well-being of consecrated persons.
6. We broke the silence surrounding sexual violence, recognising the paralysing role of shame that prevents healing.
7. 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:
Establish Safeguarding Protocols: Every community must implement transparent policies for prevention and response to abuse, in line with the law.
Foster a Culture of Safety: Break the silence and shame by creating safe spaces and providing support for survivors.
Prioritise Mental Health: Integrate mental health awareness into formation and community life.
Address Vulnerabilities: Identify and correct power imbalances and formation gaps that enable harm.
Ensure Accountability: Demand transparency in the administration of authority and goods.
Invest in Formation: Train leaders in synodal methods, communication, and collaborative skills.
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)
By: Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR, Sr. Sheila Noel Adombire ,HHCJ, Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC , Sr Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC(Catholic Sister Communicators Network- Ghana, CASCON-GH)
