Sunyani | May 21, 2026
They preach resilience from the pulpit, offer counsel in times of grief, and carry the burdens of their congregations with quiet faithfulness. But who, in turn, cares for the priest? That question sat at the heart of a significant gathering that brought the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani’s clergy together this May — and the conversations it provoked were as honest as they were overdue.
Over eighty diocesan and religious priests working in the diocese assembled at the Pastoral Centre, Sunyani, from 17th to 21st May, 2026, for the Diocese’s Annual Updating Seminar. This year’s theme, “The Mental Health of Priests: Caring for the Shepherds,” struck a chord that resonated well beyond the walls of the conference hall.
Most. Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and the President of Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was present throughout the five-day gathering, his steady participation lending both weight and warmth to the week’s proceedings, a visible sign to his priests that their wellbeing is a matter the Diocese takes seriously.
Each day opened with Morning Prayers and Holy Mass, anchoring the seminar in the liturgical life at the core of priestly identity before giving way to the day’s sessions. Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Domfeh, PhD, and Rev. Fr. Gordon Adomah opened the academic engagements, drawing on scholarly depth and ministerial experience to set a tone of thoughtful, honest reflection.
The seminar found its most powerful voice in the presentations of Rev. Fr. John Sah and Rev. Fr. George Kyeremeh, whose sessions on priestly mental health dominated the week’s agenda. Speaking candidly to realities that too often go unaddressed in clerical life, they drew participants into open conversations about stress, burnout, emotional exhaustion, loneliness, and the relentless weight of pastoral demands. The message was direct: priests, like those they serve, are human, and the health of their inner lives matters profoundly to the quality of their ministry.
Participants responded with notable openness. Discussions were lively, personal, and deeply pastoral. Many expressed gratitude that the Diocese had created a space where such conversations could happen freely and without stigma.
The atmosphere throughout was peaceful and fraternal, a week not merely of seminars and schedules, but of brotherhood, mutual encouragement, and spiritual renewal.
In a Church that is increasingly attentive to the holistic formation of her ministers, the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani has once again demonstrated a commendable commitment to caring for those on whom so much depends. As priests returned to their parishes and communities at the week’s close, they carried with them not only new insights, but a renewed sense of being seen, supported, and genuinely cared for.
Reported by Rev. Fr. Clifford Atta Anim
Published by Rev. Fr. Isaac Peh.