A Procession of Faith and Hope: The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra receives and processes with the City of God Recycle Cross

On Saturday, 28th March 2026, the President of Missio Aachen, Rev. Fr. Dirk Bingener, together with Mr. George Nowak and his team from Germany, joined the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, led by Sr. Mercy Benson, SSpS, the SSpS Sisters, and members of the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, for a peaceful walk with the Recycle Cross at the City of God in Agbogbloshie.

Rev. Fr. Subash Chittilappilly warmly welcomed the delegation to the City of God Centre. In his address, he highlighted the center’s key activities and ministries, including spiritual formation programs, youth outreach initiatives, and various community services. He also guided the visitors on a tour of the Holy Bakhita Medical Center, where they were introduced to the healthcare services provided to the community, such as medical consultations, diagnostic services, and health education programs.

Together with artisan Iddrisu Salifua, Rev. Fr. Subash led the group through the bustling streets of Agbogbloshie, carrying the City of God Recycle Cross, a powerful symbol of transformation and hope, crafted from recycled materials. The procession passed through the Scraps Dealers Yard, popularly known as “Sikens,” where residents sort and process electronic waste. The group continued to the burning areas, drawing attention to the serious environmental and health challenges faced by the community.

Amid singing and dancing, Catholic faithful from across Accra gathered at the Trade Union Congress to receive the cross and join the procession to the Holy Spirit Cathedral. There, the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, and the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Wilson, formally received the Recycle Cross and presented it to the Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, for blessing.

In his remarks, Archbishop Kwofie expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Dirk Bingener and his team from Germany, artisan Iddrisu Salifua and his family in Agbogbloshie, the JPIC Office led by Sr. Mercy Benson and the SSpS Sisters, as well as all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the City of God Recycle Cross initiative.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of Eucharistic adoration at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka.

Story by:
Thelma N. E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM ACCRA