Ghana’s Religious Superiors seek sustainable funding for Mission at 2026 Plenary

Ernest Senanu Dovlo - Accra

The plenary assembly, running from 4 to 10 October in the Diocese of Wa, will be held under the theme, “Synodal paths to mission sustainability: Walking together in hope.”

Dwindling external resources

Speaking ahead of the plenary, Fr Dennis Pam, a member of the Missionaries of Africa and Vice President of the CMSR-Gh, said the theme reflects the need for consecrated persons to examine how their mission can be sustained as funds and resources from external partners continue to decline.

“I think that the inspiration behind the choice of this theme is partly the consciousness that we have relied on donor agencies for far too long, and now the finances are dwindling,” said Fr Dennis. He added, “There are many religious congregations that depend solely on external donor funding for their survival and mission. So, what happens when the funding stops?”

Strengthening collaboration

Fr Dennis said the assembly would explore opportunities for consecrated persons and ways to strengthen collaboration.

“I am looking forward to concrete decisions and suggestions on how we can collaborate in the spirit of synodality to sustain our mission collectively as a Conference and individually as independent congregations with different charisms.”

He also highlighted the need to harness the skills of younger generations of consecrated persons.

“How can we harness the skills and giftedness of the younger generations of consecrated persons, empower them to grow and manage our meagre resources better in view of the mission?”

Fr. Dennis also noted that different communities have different resources, leadership and expertise, making collaboration essential.

“Many of us have properties but don’t have good administrators to guide us on how to exploit them for the mission; some have the leadership without the resources; some have both the leadership and resources but lack the ideas and skills required,” the Vice President of the CMSR-Gh explained.

Need for greater creativity

While acknowledging the contribution of external assistance to the mission of consecrated persons, Fr. Dennis said the current situation also calls for greater creativity.

“External aid has helped us a lot and has surely made a difference in our lives and the lives of those we are sent to serve, but at the same time it kills creativity and renders us sometimes intellectually lazy,” he said.