Communiqué Issued By the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall at the End of Its 9th Re-Union Conference Held at the University Of Ghana, Legon from July 27-29, 2018
Preamble
WE, members of the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall at our 9th Marshallan Re-Union Conference held at the University of Ghana from 27-29, 2018;
Having deliberated on the theme of the Conference; Management and the Conservation of the Environment, and the topic: Laudato Si – and Implication for Human Development: The Role of the Marshallan as presented by His Eminence Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, at the VATICAN through Monsignor Bernard Munono;
Looking at the state of devastation of our environment, notably destruction of the forests and woodlands, and the adverse effects of Galamsey on our water bodies and other natural resources;
Recognizing that Mother Earth is at risk through wanton human activities;
Taking into consideration our determination to marshal all forces in West Africa for the Management and the Conservation of the Environment;
DETERMINED to protect God’s creation, Mother Earth in the interest of humanity, DO HEREBY ADOPT THIS COMMUNIQUÉ;
1.0: We undertake to take necessary measures to contribute to the management and conservation of the environment based on an agreed plan of action. In this regard, we call on all our Local Branches (Councils and Courts) to formulate action plans in their areas that will deal with issues relating to the degradation of the environment.
2.0: We endorse the Government’s determination to continue the fight against Galamsey and environmental degradation. Accordingly, we call on the Government and all State Agencies to enforce the requisite laws on the environment. On our part, we pledge to work with societies and groups in combating crimes against the environment.
3.0: We are further inspired by the message of Laudato Si to adopt a comprehensive approach to the challenges facing the sustainable use of the world’s natural resources. In this regard, we call on the Church and our respective Governments to consider the social, economic and environmental dimensions in our development efforts.
4.0: APPRECIATION: We express our greatest appreciation to the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Supreme Spiritual Director of the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, Bro. Colin Walsh, President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights and Monsignor Bernard Munono for their insightful presentations at the Reunion.
Our profound gratitude also goes to the University of Ghana, Legon for hosting the 9th Re-Union Conference of the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall.
Signed
Sir Kt. Bro. Ambrose Akyebe Yennah Supreme Knight, Knights of Marshall.
MRL Sis. Grace Budu-Smith , Grand Lady, Ladies of Marshall.
Dated: July 30, 2018