Augustinian Federation of Africa Reelects President, Renews Commitment to the Poor at Ghana Assembly

The Augustinian Federation of Africa (AFA) convened its Triennial General Assembly (TGA) from March 2–6, 2026, at the School Sisters of Notre Dame Home in Accra, Ghana. The gathering brought together Augustinian religious circumscriptions and congregations from across West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, alongside participants from Europe, rooted in the wisdom of St Augustine to reflect on the theme: Dilexi te: the preferential option for the poor in Augustinian spirituality and the mission of the African Church. 

The assembly opened with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Dr. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., who urged members to remain courageous witnesses to the Gospel and to stand against social injustices. In his homily, he reminded participants that “love for God must always lead to love for one’s neighbour, particularly the poor and vulnerable.” In his Welcome address, the President of the Augustinian Federation of Africa (AFA), Very Rev. Fr. Kenneth Eze, OSA, on behalf of the Federation, recognized the presence of the Archbishop of Accra, the Assistants General of the Order of St Augustine, Very Rev Frs. James Wambugu and Martin Davakan, OSA, Major Superiors, delegates and participants. He also highlighted that the presence of each person at the assembly is a living testimony of their shared identity and commitment to their mission to build networks of members of the Augustinian Family in Africa and to spread/promote the spirituality of St Augustine across Africa.

During the assembly, the AFA president presented a progress report of the state of the Federation. The report highlighted the Federation’s growth of the number of congregations and circumscriptions to 18, and other initiatives such as virtual and physical seminars on Augustinian Spirituality, and Formation, as well as educational programs on the role of educators in the age of Artificial Intelligence. These programs brought members together to foster unity so as to sustain the life of the federation.

The keynote address was delivered by the Most Rev. Dr. John Bonventure Kwofie, CSSp; while Very Rev. Fr Martin Davakan, OSA, Assistant General for Europe, delivered a good will message from the Augustinian Curia affirming the Curia’s recognition and blessing upon the Assembly. Other messages of goodwill were received in writing from the Catholic Bishop of Buta and the immediate past AFA regional coordinator for central Africa, The Most Rev. Dr. Martin Banga, OSA; the Superior General of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, Kenya, and the Superior General of the Notre Dame de L’eglise (NDE), Togo. Significant highlights included the presentation of papers by resource persons at the different plenaries, while participants engaged in fraternal dialogues through group discussions to reflect on the papers presented, addressing issues of poverty, justice, youth accompaniment and the credibility of the Augustinian witness in modern Africa. 

The Assembly culminated in the election of the new Executive Council for 2026–2029. Very Rev. Fr. Kenneth Eze, OSA, of the Nigeria Province, was reelected as President, reaffirming his leadership within the Federation. Other elected officers include:

• Vice President: Rev. Fr. Ettiene Atanga, OAD (Cameroon)

• Secretary: Sr. Lydia Mukari, SMK (Kenya)

• Assistant Secretary: Sr. Gladys Opara, SSA (Benin Republic)

• Treasurer: Sr. Jacqueline Etou, NDE (Togo)

• Secretariat Coordinator: Rev. Fr. Moses Yaratsada, OSA (Nigeria)

Regional coordinators were also elected for East, Central, Southern, and West Africa.

The assembly concluded on Friday 6^th March, 2026 with a closing Mass presided by Fr. Kenneth Eze, OSA, who urged members to remain steadfast in living the Augustinian charism with courage, humility, love and fidelity to the Gospel. He expressed gratitude to the Prior General Most Rev. Fr. Joseph Farrell, OSA who addressed the assembly himself virtually during the 4^th plenary; to the planning committee and the School Sisters of Notre Dame for their hospitality, and prayed for safe journeys as participants returned to their communities.

This General Assembly reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to service, justice, and peace, while strengthening its structures for the next three years.