- Mission, Media, and Renewal in Focus
Accra, Ghana – July 10, 2025
In a symbolic and strategic engagement, the Governing Board of The Catholic Standard – Ghana’s oldest newspaper and the official publication of the Catholic Church – paid a courtesy call on the current Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Archbishop Julien Kaboré, at the Apostolic Nunciature in Accra.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to strengthening ties between the Church’s diplomatic mission and its flagship media house, at a time of profound societal transformation in Ghana and growing challenges in Catholic communication.
A Diplomatic Shepherd with Global Experience
Archbishop Kaboré was born on June 18, 1968, in Zorgho, Burkina Faso, and was ordained a priest on July 8, 1995, for the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Koupéla. He joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See on July 1, 2004, and has served in Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, Korea, Croatia, Trinidad and Tobago, the Philippines, and most recently, Ireland.
Fluent in French, English, Italian, and Spanish, Archbishop Kaboré holds a Degree in Canon Law. His appointment to Ghana in 2024 marks the continuation of a distinguished career of service to the universal Church. He succeeded Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, now Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa.
Delegation and Representation
The SNAM delegation was led by Board Chairman, Sir Vincent Joseph Dela Selormey, and included Sir Ambrose Akyebe Yennah (representing the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall), Mrs. Aisha Cecilia Armah (representing the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary), Mr. Timothy Sowah (representing the National Laity Council), Rev. Fr. Dieu-Donne Davor (Board Secretary), and the newly appointed Managing Editor, Mr. Peter Martey Agbeko.
For practical reasons, three board members were unable to attend: Capt. Joseph Afriyie Boachie (Kumasi Province), Mr. Gordon Wellu (Tamale Province), Rev. Fr. Valentine Odoom (Cape Coast Province).
The engagement began with a scripture reading from Matthew 10:7–15 by Fr. Davor, followed by an opening prayer led by Archbishop Kaboré – setting a tone of reflection and unity.
Catholic Media as a Tool for Peace
Archbishop Kaboré warmly welcomed the Board and affirmed the vital role of Catholic media in promoting truth, encouraging national dialogue, and sustaining the mission of the Church.
“The media is a powerful tool for evangelisation when anchored in truth, integrity, and service to the common good,” he noted.
“But peace is not just a concept—it is a person: Jesus Christ. As Catholic communicators, you are called to be peacemakers,” he added.
He praised The Catholic Standard for its principled editorial voice during pivotal moments in Ghana’s history and lauded the recent tribute to Sir Ben Assorow, the immediate past Managing Editor of the Paper as a fine example of value-driven journalism.
A Renewed Vision in a Digital Age
Board Chairman Sir Selormey thanked the Nuncio for his gracious reception and shared the Board’s forward-looking vision for editorial and operational renewal.
“We are committed to telling the stories that matter—stories of faith, justice, and hope. As we embrace the digital age, we aim to preserve our Catholic identity while engaging wider audiences, especially the youth,” he assured.
The Board outlined plans to introduce digital subscriptions, thematic content, and multimedia storytelling inspired by Catholic Social Teaching on national and global issues.
Facing Institutional Challenges
Sir Selormey also outlined operational constraints that hinder the publication’s growth.
“We currently operate with a three-colour press that limits our production quality. To serve the Church and Catholic institutions more effectively, we urgently need a modern five-colour printing machine,” he said.
He noted that SNAM has reached out to the Bishops’ Conferences of Italy and the United States for support in acquiring new equipment. The aim is to enhance the production of liturgical materials, hymnals, textbooks, and parish bulletins for Ghana’s over four million Catholics.
Sir Yennah reinforced this call:
“Evangelisation is suffering due to low subscriptions. With strategic investment and renewed purpose, The Catholic Standard can once again become the conscience of the nation.”
The Board has presented its comprehensive Strategic Plan to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which owns 94.72% of Standard Newspapers and Magazines Ltd. – publishers of The Catholic Standard, established in 1938 and nationally registered in 1940.
Charting the Way Forward
Archbishop Kaboré commended the Board’s vision and encouraged a bold and creative approach to both message and medium:
“Ghana has a wealth of talented lay people. Use that strength. Present your content in new ways—start with something simple, like a visual series on the Popes. This can educate and inspire across generations,” the Nuncio noted.
The meeting concluded with a joint recitation of the Hail Mary and the Salve Regina, symbolising the unity, faith, and renewed purpose that framed the encounter.
“This visit is not only symbolic but purposeful,” Archbishop Kaboré remarked.
“Together, let us renew the mission of Catholic media as a voice of truth, love, and peace.”
