ACCRA, Ghana, July 31, 2022 — The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa, and Madagascar (SECAM) has elected His Eminence Richard Kuuia Baawobr of Ghana as its new President.
SECAM is the association of Catholic Bishops of Africa, Madagascar, and the Islands.
His Eminence Richard Kuuia Baawobr is now the highest-ranking member of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.
The 19th Plenary Assembly of SECAM took place from July 25 to August 1, 2022 in Accra, Ghana on the theme: “Ownership of SECAM: Security and Migration in Africa and the Islands.”
The assembly noted that several regions of the continent are experiencing great insecurity due to socio-political instability, violence, economic poverty, weak health structures, insurgency, terrorism, exploitation of religion for political purposes and lack of respect for the environment and good governance.
“These situations are causes of anxiety for our people. This is why we are sending a message to all people of good will to help put an end to them,” reads a statement released by SECAM.
It said the social and political stakeholders and decision-makers have a heavy responsibility in the management of our countries.
“We urge them to continue to do their utmost to fight against insecurity for our peoples and our countries. We also urge foreign forces to get involved in building peace and security on the African continent.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).