Theme: “30 Years: Crusaders for a Synodal Church of Justice and Peace in Ghana.”
The Konongo-Mampong Diocesan Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) officially opened its historic 30th Anniversary and Mega Jamboree at Effiduase Parish in the Effiduase Deanery on Wednesday, 29th July, 2026, bringing together 1,123 Crusaders from all seven deaneries and 36 parishes across the Diocese. The week-long celebration, held under the theme “30 Years: Crusaders for a Synodal Church of Justice and Peace in Ghana,” marks three decades of nurturing young Catholics in faith, leadership, discipline, and service to both the Church and the nation.
The celebration commenced with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Vicar General of the Konongo-Mampong Diocese, Monsignor Matthew Adusei. In his homily, he encouraged Crusaders to seek God’s purpose for their lives and discover their divine calling. He urged them to demonstrate their love for God through dedicated service, reminding them that true worship is reflected in faithfulness, commitment, and obedience to God’s will. He further cautioned members against allowing worldly distractions to derail them from fulfilling their divine mission.
Snr. Cr. Emmanuel Afrane the Diocesan CYO Chairman in his welcome address, highlighted the remarkable growth of the organization since the creation of the Konongo-Mampong Diocese from the Kumasi Archdiocese. He announced that the Diocese has successfully registered 1,614 members with the Ghana CYO and expressed delight that 1,123 Crusaders were participating in the anniversary and jamboree. He warmly welcomed all participants, invited guests, clergy, patrons, and supporters for their commitment to the growth of the organization.
Delivering the keynote address, Monsignor Matthew Adusei emphasized that unity remains the bedrock of the Church and called on Crusaders to promote peace, justice, and harmony in their communities without discrimination. He expressed concern over the growing culture of bribery, corruption, and favoritism in society, urging the youth to become ambassadors of integrity and moral excellence. He also encouraged them to remain committed to their education, pursue wisdom and knowledge, and use their talents to strengthen both the Church and the nation.
The anniversary celebration was further honoured by the presence of distinguished National CYO Officers, led by the National Chairman, Snr. Cr. John Abane Yaro (Major Rtd.). He was accompanied by Snr. Cr. Martin Wiendaa, National Vice Chairman; Snr. Cr. Florence Awaitey, National Organizing Secretary; and Snr. Cr. Aaron Moses Aaso Zebkonaa, National Internal Auditor. Also present was Snr. Cr. Vincent Felix Osei Bonsu, Vice Chairman of the Kumasi Archdiocesan CYO, whose participation demonstrated the strong spirit of unity and collaboration among the various CYO structures across Ghana.
The opening ceremony also featured goodwill messages from the Ghana CYO, Kumasi Archdiocesan CYO, Konongo-Mampong Diocesan Youth Council, and the Patrons of the CYO, all of whom congratulated the Diocese on attaining its remarkable 30-year milestone. They encouraged Crusaders to remain steadfast in their Catholic faith, uphold discipline, and continue serving both the Church and the nation with dedication and humility.
The ceremony was equally graced by the esteemed Patrons of the Konongo-Mampong Diocesan CYO, namely Snr. Cr. Bernard John Amissah, Snr. Cr. Dominic Agyemang, Snr. Cr. Patricia Anima Gyamfi, Most Snr. Cr. Vincent Baiden, Snr. Cr. Beatrice Asante Omane, Snr. Cr. Abigail Ayitey, and Snr. Cr. Sabestin Amponsah. Their presence reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to mentoring, guiding, and supporting the growth and development of the Catholic Youth Organization within the Diocese.
A memorable highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the history of the Konongo-Mampong Diocesan CYO by Snr. Cr. Sabestin Amponsah, who traced the organization’s journey from its days under the Kumasi Archdiocese to its current achievements. In honour of departed Crusaders whose dedication and sacrifices laid the foundation for the organization’s success, he led the congregation in observing a minute’s silence.
Adding colour and cultural significance to the celebration, the Effiduase Parish CYO presented a captivating cultural display featuring traditional music and dance, showcasing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity, faith, and patriotism among the youth.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Konongo-Mampong Diocesan Youth Council donated cash and 15 bags of sachet water to support the successful organization of the event. The Patrons of the CYO also donated medals, trophies, a volleyball, a volleyball net, a football goal net, and other sporting equipment valued at GH¢20,000, reaffirming their commitment to youth development. The Diocesan CYO leadership expressed profound appreciation to all benefactors for their generosity and unwavering support.
The Chairman for the occasion and Patron of the Konongo-Mampong Diocesan CYO, Snr. Cr. Bernard John Amissah, expressed sincere gratitude to all individuals and organizations whose support made the celebration a success. He encouraged Crusaders to participate actively in every activity throughout the jamboree and remain committed to living out the CYO slogan, “For God and Ghana.”
The opening day’s activities concluded with an exciting marching drill competition among the deaneries, with Mamponteng Deanery emerging as the overall winner. The colourful display of discipline, precision, and teamwork brought the opening ceremony to a memorable close, setting the stage for the remaining activities of the week-long 30th Anniversary and Mega Jamboree.
For God and Ghana…..Thanks be to God
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