The Municipal Police Commander for Tepa, Chief Superintendent Martin Assenso, has urged the Catholic Church to make greater investments in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), stressing that the future of the Church depends on building a strong and well-prepared youth ministry.
He made the call on Wednesday, August 27, during the opening ceremony of the Jamasi and Ejisu Deaneries CYO Jamboree at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Asamang, within the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong. Addressed as “Senior Crusader” among his peers, Chief Superintendent Assenso is himself a proud product of the CYO and continues to serve actively in church life.
In his address, he explained that the CYO is unique in its structured formation of young Catholics, beginning with Infant Jesus (ages 6–11), followed by Young Apostles (12–16), and Christian Soldiers (17 and above). According to him, this system does not only prepare children for active roles in the Church but also equips them with the moral discipline and leadership skills needed for society and the nation.
Chief Superintendent Assenso pointed to his own life story as evidence of the organization’s impact. He recalled that his journey into professional service as a police officer and his ongoing leadership roles in the Church were shaped by the training he received in the CYO. Today, beyond his police duties, he serves as the Parish President of St. Michael Catholic Church at Ahodwo and as the President of the Royal Neighbours Club, a professional social club in Kumasi.
Reflecting on his breakthrough, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the National CYO Headquarters and to
Senior Crusader Opoku Joe Andrew, a former CYO Organising Secretary at Boanim. “CYO prepared, selected, and sponsored me to Police Training, which has made me who I am today,” he said, acknowledging the selfless mentoring he received.
He emphasized that the values and training offered by the CYO have produced many leaders across Ghana in religious, traditional, and political life. Quoting from CYO Law 10 — “A Crusader is to serve and not to be served” — he reminded the young participants that the organization’s mission is deeply rooted in service, discipline, and humility.
Chief Superintendent Assenso went further to advise Catholic parents and guardians to actively encourage their children to join the CYO. He said it remains one of the most effective platforms for nurturing faith, responsibility, and a sense of patriotism among Ghana’s young people.
Closing his address, the police commander stressed that a strong CYO means a stronger Church and a stronger nation. He urged bishops, parish priests, and lay councils not to overlook the importance of channeling resources into youth development, insisting that investment in the CYO is an investment in both God and Ghana.
Keep following www.gheducate.com for credible news and updates.
One thought on “Police Commander Calls on Catholic Church to Invest in Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)”