The problem of social justice in the post-synodal apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Africa of 1995 and in the documents of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the years 2014–2024

Abstract

In an era marked by profound social inequalities and ethical dilemmas, the role of religious institutions in advocating for social justice has never been more critical. This article explores the response of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) to the social justice imperatives outlined in Ecclesia in Africa (1995), a post-synodal apostolic exhortation by Pope John Paul II. A descriptive and critical analysis will be conducted based on selected pastoral letters and other statements from the GCBC. This analysis will address pressing social issues, including economic inequality, conflicts, inequality in access to quality education, political corruption, and environmental degradation, challenges that continue to impact Ghanaian society. An analysis of the documents and teachings of the GCBC on social justice reveals the Conference’s stance on issues pertinent to the Ghanaian context. This research enhances understanding of the GCBC’s role in promoting social justice in Ghana and its implications for policy and practice.