Society of the Divine Word SVD, a catholic religious congregation has launched the VIVAT-Ghana Group, a Catholic Non-Governmental Organization to promote the advocacy for human rights and environmental protection. Prior to the launch here in Ghana, VIVAT International has been operating in 120 countries worldwide with membership of more than 25,000 from 11 Catholic Religious Congregations, including the Mission Congregation of the Servants of the Holy Spirit, SSpS and others.
The launch of VIVAT-Ghana Group was held at the St. Arnold Janssen Spirituality Center, Bortianor Hills in Accra. In an interaction with MX24 news, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation coordinator for the SVDs in Ghana and Liberia, Father Nicholas Aazine, SVD, highlighted the purpose of VIVAT-Ghana Group. He says they will be collaborating with other organizations to push for the protection of human rights and the environment.
Again, Father Nicholas says despite an earlier futile attempt, VIVAT Ghana will champion the advocacy for the allocation of a month for tree planting to minimize the impact of felling of trees for charcoal production at Affram Plains and its environs.
A member of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Comfort Arthur, who are partners of the VIVAT Group Ghana says they are also championing the awareness creation on the need to recycle single use plastics which has become necessary in order to reduce the issue of perennial flooding in the country.
Also in attendance was an environmental advocate from the Garden City University College in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Gifty Boakye who commended the church for the initiative and urged other religious organizations to follow their steps.
