In a significant step toward strengthening child protection and the safety of vulnerable persons within the Church and society, 56 Religious Sisters from different Congregations across Ghana have gathered at the Christian Village in Santasi, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana for a five-day intensive training.
The Safeguarding Workshop organised by the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana (CMSR-GH), which commenced on Monday, April 13 and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 17, 2026, brings together a diverse group of consecrated women who serve as Focal Persons for their various Institutes, to deepen their understanding of safeguarding protocols, ethical boundaries, and the proactive protection of those in their care and those they work with.
The workshop opened on Monday, April 13, with an intensive orientation and a comprehensive review of the week’s programme. This initial session allowed participants to align their expectations and familiarise themselves with the core modules of the training, which include legal frameworks, psychological insights into abuse, and the development of robust safeguarding policies within their respective congregations.
The Workshop was officially opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev Fr. Sylvester Ramah, one of the Rectors of the Spiritual and Renewal centre in Kumasi, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the week’s deliberations.
In his homily, Fr. Sylvester emphasised the role of Religious as “shepherds and protectors” of the flock, particularly the “little ones” and the marginalized. He invited the participants to be people of faith, mirroring Christ to others.
Fr Sylvester urged the participants to be “VECTORS” to carry the Good News of Christ. According to him, the vector is the framework of Safeguarding. Through Vector, we are invited to Value each person’s appearance in Jesus, encourage one another, be committed to the well-being of others, participate together, use the Opportunity to overcome the Serpent, and review what we are doing.
Following the Mass, the first formal session featured a warm and insightful welcome address delivered by Sr. Theodora Adzayawo, SMMC, Executive Secretary of the CMSR-GH.
Speaking on behalf of the Conference, Sr. Theodora extended a heartfelt greeting from the President of the Conference, Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC, highlighted the urgency of the training, stating:
“Our mission is not only to serve but to ensure that every environment we create is a sanctuary of safety and respect. This workshop is a testament to our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and the dignity of every human person.”
Sr. Theodora used the opportunity to talk about the CMSR-GH and also mentioned some subsidiary departments under the Conference. Among them are African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), National Association of Formators (NAF), International Network of Consecrated Life Against Trafficking in Persons (Talitha Kum), Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Vocation Promoters, Catholic Sister Communicators Network-Ghana (CASCON-GH), Care for Elderly Sisters, and Institute of Continuous Formation (ICF).
The presence of 56 Representatives from different congregations underscores a unified front among the Religious in Ghana to tackle safeguarding issues head-on. The workshop serves as a platform for:
• Knowledge and experience sharing: Exchanging best practices across different charisms and ministries.
• Policy Development: Equipping Sisters with the tools to implement safeguarding standards in schools, hospitals, and parishes.
• Networking: Building a support system of trained “Safeguarding Leads” across the country.
As the workshop continues through April 17, participants will engage in case studies, group discussions, and expert-led sessions aimed at turning safeguarding theory into everyday practice.
The facilitators of the workshop are Sr. Bernadine Pemii, DC, Sr. Rejoice Enyonam, Hoedoafia, SDLM, Sr. Bernadette Dery, SSpS, Sr. Olivia Umoh, DC, and Fr. Gregory Dery.
By Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC (Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana-CASCON-GH)
