In Ghana, VIVAT International continues to walk a steady path of collaboration, ecological conversion, and advocacy, even as the country faces serious environmental challenges—especially the destruction of rivers and forests caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
VIVAT Ghana is organizing itself and the important initiatives we are preparing in the coming weeks.
A Growing Network Within a National JPIC Movement
VIVAT Ghana is closely connected to the wider national JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) network of religious congregations. Member congregations of VIVAT operate within this broader JPIC framework while also advancing their own VIVAT-specific projects and priorities.
Each congregation contributes its own experience—whether in education, parish ministry, social outreach, or ecological initiatives—to a shared JPIC vision. In this way, VIVAT Ghana is not an isolated structure but is deeply embedded in the life and mission of many congregations, making JPIC a common responsibility rather than a specialized ministry.
Annual JPIC General Meeting: A Space for Shared Vision
In the coming weeks, Ghana’s national JPIC network will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM), an important moment of reflection and collaboration. For VIVAT Ghana, this gathering is especially significant because it will include a dedicated side event for VIVAT member congregations.
This space will allow participants to share VIVAT-related experiences and initiatives, deepen their understanding of VIVAT’s mission, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration within Ghana.
The AGM program will include reports from various congregations on their JPIC and VIVAT activities, workshops and seminars on key justice and ecological issues, and times for reflection and planning to better coordinate actions and make them more prophetic.
This meeting is an opportunity to listen to one another, discern where the Spirit is leading us, and take concrete steps forward together.
Rivers in Danger: Illegal Mining and Environmental Degradation
One of Ghana’s most urgent concerns today is the pollution of major rivers caused by illegal mining activities. Galamsey operations destroy forests, strip the land, and leave behind toxic waste that contaminates water sources and damages biodiversity.
Many of the country’s major rivers, once vital sources of life for surrounding communities, are now heavily polluted, threatening drinking water, agriculture, and livelihoods.
In close collaboration with national JPIC structures, VIVAT Ghana is working to raise awareness in parishes, schools, and communities about the destructive impact of illegal mining. It also seeks to encourage a change in mentality so that short-term profit is not placed above the long-term survival of people and ecosystems.
At the same time, VIVAT supports advocacy efforts calling on authorities to enforce environmental regulations, protect vulnerable communities, and promote more sustainable economic alternatives.
The defense of rivers is both an ecological and spiritual mission—caring for creation and protecting the lives of the poor who depend on it.
Planting Trees and Nurturing Ecological Conversion
In response to deforestation and climate change, many VIVAT-related congregations in Ghana are engaged in tree planting and environmental education.
Trees are being planted around schools, parishes, and communities as visible signs of hope and restoration. Children, youth, and parish communities are also being educated about care for creation, inspired by the vision of Laudato Si’.
These local initiatives are linked to broader campaigns for climate justice and sustainable lifestyles, helping communities understand that ecological conversion begins with everyday choices.
Though these actions may seem small compared to the scale of environmental destruction, they help form consciences and create visible alternatives, especially among the younger generation.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Commitment
As I shared during the Global Call, at present, the SSpS Sisters are the only VIVAT congregation from Ghana represented in the global gathering. This reality is both surprising and challenging.
We are grateful for the commitment of those already involved, but we also hope that more VIVAT member congregations in Ghana will actively engage in future meetings and initiatives.
In the months ahead, VIVAT Ghana will continue to deepen its participation in national JPIC structures, strengthen VIVAT identity and collaboration within the country, and focus especially on environmental justice issues such as illegal mining, river pollution, and deforestation.
We also remain committed to promoting a culture of ecological responsibility, peace, and solidarity in our communities.
Even with limited numbers and resources, we trust that shared faith, collective action, and care for our common home can help heal our wounded land and plant seeds of hope for future generations.
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