The second plenary assembly of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA CERAO) scheduled to take place from February 22 to 29, 2016 has opened in Accra.

The week long conference was opened in a ceremony held at the M-plaza hotel on Tuesday 23rd February, 2016.

The ceremony was attended by about 250 West Africa Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana His Excellency Jean Marie Speich, a representative of John Dramani Mahama Mr. John Martey Newman, former president Jerry John Rawlings, members of the diplomatic core, heads of political parties and leaders of laity groups, among others.

A RECOWA-CERAO plenary assembly brings together all cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of the Catholic Church in West Africa to deliberate on matters relevant to both the Church and the West African sub region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu president of the Ghana Catholic Bishop’s Conference said the Church in West Africa will continue to collaborate with governments in the sub region to bring comfort and support to the people it is called to serve.

Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu said the church recognises it does not have the solutions to all the problems the people of the sub region is facing but will do all it can to help.

“In the course of this week, we, the Catholic Bishops, Arch Bishops and Cardinals from west Africa will reflect on how we can work together as one united family and in concert with our West African governments to advance the issues of reconciliation, holistic development and authentic family life within our sub region in the light of the Church’s new evangelization.

Recognising that, the Church does not have the technical solutions to all the problems that our people face but being mindful of our God-given mission to bring the good news to all people, we hope to continue to work in close collaboration with Governments in West Africa and other stakeholders to bring the needed support to the people we are called to serve” Rev. Osei Bonsu stated.

The Conference is expected to end with a communiqué later in the week at a press briefing.