The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, has hosted a two-day seminar aimed at engaging Catholic youth on concerns surrounding the decline in the Church’s population in Ghana and the future of youth involvement.
The programme took place on Friday, January 9, at St. Peter’s Seminary in Pedu and was part of activities marking a triple milestone in the Archbishop’s life — his 75th birthday, 49 years as a priest, and 33 years of episcopal ministry.
Participants included priests, former classmates and close associates of the Archbishop, as well as members of the Cape Coast Archdiocesan Youth Council (CCADYC) Executive Board. Discussions centred on strengthening youth participation and addressing emerging challenges facing the Catholic Church.
In his address, Archbishop Buckle drew from his personal experience in Catholic youth movements such as the Young Christian Students (YCS) and the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS–Pax Romana). He highlighted how these groups shaped his faith, discipline, and lifelong commitment to the Church, and called for renewed investment in such traditional youth organizations, including the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), to better support young people in today’s rapidly changing social environment.
The seminar also examined contemporary issues affecting the Church, including online discussions about declining membership, the growing role of media in evangelization, and concerns over reduced volunteerism among young Catholics.
Looking ahead, Archbishop Buckle encouraged participants to adopt a practical and hopeful approach toward sustaining the Cape Coast Archdiocese beyond 2026. He urged them to move away from pessimism and instead embrace action inspired by the vision of a Synodal Church, built on participation, mission, and communion.
Organizers believe the seminar will help shape ongoing dialogue on youth engagement and long-term sustainability within the Catholic Church in Ghana, as dioceses continue efforts to empower young people as active contributors to Church life and mission.
Source: Catholic Trends