Sr. Dr. Rejoice Enyonam Hoedoafia, SDLM, the Superior of the Sisters of Divine Love and Mercy in the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, chaired the opening of the 12th National Sports and Cultural Festival of the Catholic Organisation for Social and Religious Advancement (COSRA) in Tamale.
She was recognised due to her distinguished academic and religious leadership, as well as her dedication to youth empowerment and community transformation.
The Sports and Cultural Festival held from 6th to 9th August 6 to 9, 2026 at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale – Dungu Main Campus brought together over 800 participants from Catholic dioceses across Ghana.
The event was aimed at promoting sportsmanship, cultural expression, leadership development, spiritual renewal, and entrepreneurship among members.
This year’s festival was on the theme: “A Synodal Church: Empowering COSRA Members in Maintaining Justice and Peace through Sport and Culture.” It highlights the role of sports and culture in fostering unity, peace, and community development within the Church and society.
At the opening ceremony on Friday, August 7, 2026, the National President, Miss Tamara Amina, a lecturer at UDS, believed that the festival would strengthen collaboration among COSRA members while promoting the values of justice, peace, teamwork, and faith.
The Catholic Organisation for Social and Religious Advancement (COSRA), established in 1970 and operating under the National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC), continues to play an important role in the spiritual and social development of Catholic youth and lay faithful across Ghana.
The keynote speaker was Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah, President of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NUGCDPA), Diocesan Director for Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and the Cathedral Administrator of Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral, Tamale.
In his address, Fr. Kuusah emphasised the importance of building a truly synodal Church where every member is valued, heard, and encouraged to contribute to the mission of Christ. Speaking on the theme, he urged COSRA members to embrace unity, dialogue, and active participation in both the Church and society.
He noted that sports and culture are powerful tools for promoting peace, discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect. According to him, these activities go beyond competition and entertainment, serving as avenues for breaking barriers, strengthening friendships, and fostering national and religious unity.
Fr. Kuusah encouraged young Catholics to become ambassadors of justice by living lives of honesty, integrity, and compassion. He reminded participants that maintaining peace begins with individual actions, respect for human dignity, and a commitment to serving others.
He further called on COSRA members to use the festival as an opportunity to strengthen their faith, develop their talents, and build lasting relationships that reflect the values of the Gospel.
He concluded by encouraging participants to allow the spirit of synodality—walking together, listening to one another, and working collaboratively—to guide their lives so they can become instruments of peace and positive transformation in their communities.
Other members in attendance at the opening ceremony were the Bishop of Tamale, the Most Rev. Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, some Chaplains from the various dioceses, traditional rulers, and the lecturers of the university.
The COSRA members displayed their cultures according to regional bases and played their games also according to Provinces. It was a valuable moment for them as some of them expressed that it was their first time coming to the northern part of the country.
The programme ended on a Sunday after Mass, after which they were reminded to go and proclaim peace and unity in their communities.
By Sr. Celestina Theresa Maris, SDLM(Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana-CASCON-GH)
