Cardinal Turkson, Father Mongambi, and Mohammed Elias Lead New Religious and Community Initiatives for African Youth

Across Africa, prominent religious and community leaders are redefining their roles to meet the pressing needs of modern society, focusing on youth engagement, cultural diversity, and economic empowerment. In Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recent initiatives highlight a shift toward more inclusive and innovative leadership styles intended to bridge social divides and provide tangible support for the younger generation. From the historic Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga to the vibrant streets of Kinshasa and the Zongo communities of Tema, these leaders are calling for a renewed commitment to collective progress and spiritual vitality. Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, has urged Christians to harness their cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity as a strength for serving God and humanity. Speaking at the Pastoral Congress of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga in Ghana—an event marking the diocese's 120th anniversary—the Cardinal emphasized that diversity should be a catalyst for unity rather than a cause for division. Drawing on the biblical event of Pentecost, he explained how the Holy Spirit unites different peoples while preserving their unique identities. The congress, which brought together over 250 delegates from 27 parishes, aimed to reflect on the Church’s 120-year journey while planning future directions for evangelisation. Bishop Alfred Agyenta and other delegates discussed the importance of synodality, ensuring that every voice within the community is heard and respected in the pursuit of peace and development. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, innovation in ministry is taking the form of rhythm and rhyme as Father Jean-Pierre Mongambi, known as Kinshasa's 'rapping priest,' uses music to reconnect with youth in underprivileged neighborhoods. Mongambi, who has even performed for Pope Francis, utilizes rap based on psalms and prayers to deliver a message that 'Rap is not a sin,' aiming to draw young people back to the Roman Catholic Church. This unconventional approach has received the backing of parish priest Augustin Mfwankama, who recognizes that traditional worship must adapt to compete with the distractions of gambling and sports that often pull youth away from spiritual engagement. By leveraging social media and contemporary culture, Mongambi seeks to inspire hope and positivity among Congolese youth who might otherwise feel disconnected from religious institutions. Parallel to these efforts in the Christian community, the Tema Muslim Community in Ghana has taken significant steps to address socio-economic challenges through the coronation of Mohammed Elias as the Sarkin Samari Zongo (Youth Chief). Elias, a former professional footballer and CEO of One God Forever Limited, has pledged to tackle the critical issue of youth unemployment by enhancing skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities. Alongside the installation of Hon. Sumaila Adjetey Agaby as the Sarki Yaaki, this move represents a strategic effort to provide the Muslim youth of Tema with leadership that focuses on practical developmental solutions. Together, these developments across different faiths and regions underscore a burgeoning movement of proactive leadership in Africa. Whether through Cardinal Turkson’s call for diversity-driven unity, Father Mongambi’s cultural outreach in Kinshasa, or Mohammed Elias’s focus on economic empowerment, the common thread is a recognition that the future of the continent depends on the active participation and development of its youth.