Reverend Father John Kantongi Kanzire of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Catholic Church, located in the Bawku Municipality of the Upper East Region, has made a passionate appeal to Christians across Ghana to intensify prayers for peace in conflict-ridden Bawku.
Delivering a sermon at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kalbeo/Basengo on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Rev. Father Kanzire stressed the urgent need for spiritual intercession to end the violence that has claimed lives, displaced families, and deepened the humanitarian crisis in the area.
“We are two priests working there, and there are Catholics there. How often do you pray for us? Because we are in danger. We are in temporal trouble—there is conflict there. Do you pray for us? Or is it only when the Bishop formally writes and asks for prayers?” he asked, urging the congregation to consistently intercede on behalf of the people of Bawku.
Father Kanzire emphasized that the Bawku conflict has created a dire humanitarian situation, with residents struggling to access basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and safety. He highlighted the devastating toll of the conflict:
“Many people are dying, others are maimed and orphaned, and many cannot even get food to eat. So I ask you—pray for us. Intercede for us in Bawku.”
Beyond prayer, the priest also underscored the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in resolving the conflict and rebuilding broken communities.
“Forgiveness is a crucial step towards healing—not just for Christians, but for everyone affected by this violence,” he said.
The congregation at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church welcomed his message and pledged their continued commitment to praying for national peace, especially in areas affected by ethnic and conflict-related violence.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
