Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new head of the Catholic Church. The President extended the congratulatory message to the Pope during a courtesy call at the Presidency in Accra by a 20-member delegation of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), led by its President, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Sunyani Diocese.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Bishops were at the Presidency to congratulate the President on his victory in the December 7, 2024, general election and to present a list of national concerns for his attention, such as the issue of illegal mining, education reform, governance, and electoral reforms. President Mahama expressed his hope that Pope Leo would continue the compassionate work of Pope Francis, who held Africa in high regard.

The President highlighted the honor of receiving the Bishops’ Conference, acknowledging their support, prayers, and the opportunity to discuss critical national issues as he had done before the elections. He expressed gratitude to the Conference for their strong stance against the devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey) and their call for decisive action.

He emphasized that the GCBC’s suggestions for credible and sustainable alternatives were crucial for those involved and remain a key strategy to which the government is committed. President Mahama thanked the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for its dedication to the development and well-being of the country, affirming the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges collaboratively to build the Ghana they envision.