FIC Brothers at 60: Celebrating a Legacy of Faith, Service, and Transformation in The Upper West Region.

The Catholic Church in Ghana, especially in the three northern regions—has been one of the greatest drivers of social, economic, and spiritual development. From health and education to agriculture, youth empowerment, and community welfare, the Church’s contribution cuts across religious, ethnic, and social divides. People of all backgrounds—Christians, Muslims, traditional believers, and even those with no religious affiliation—continue to benefit from the Church’s tireless commitment to human dignity and community growth.

This mission was beautifully captured decades ago by Rev. Fr. McCoy, one of the early missionaries who brought the Catholic faith to the Upper West Region. Speaking to the people of Jirapa, he said:

“...God has sent us to Jirapa because He wants you to be happy even now, in this life. So we try to cure your diseases. We want to open schools, too, so that one day your sons and daughters may be able to enjoy a better life and help make life better for you too...” ( Great Things Happen, p. 52). These words, spoken with sincerity and foresight, have become a prophetic description of what the Church has since achieved across northern Ghana.

It is within this larger tradition of service that the FIC Brothers celebrated their 60th anniversary in Kaleo, the very community that first welcomed them to Ghana six decades ago. Their celebration marked not only a historical milestone but also a renewal of their mission of compassion, education, and integral human development.

Since they arrived in the mid-1960s, the FIC Brothers have played an essential role in uplifting communities across the Upper West Region and beyond. Their first home in Kaleo became the foundation of a mission that has grown into schools, vocational centres, formation houses, and social interventions that continue to touch thousands of lives. One of their most significant accomplishments is St. Basilide Vocational and Technical School, named after one of the pioneering Brothers. For decades, the school has offered employable skills, vocational training, discipline, and moral formation, giving young men and women the tools to build meaningful futures and escape the grip of poverty.

The 60th anniversary celebration in Kaleo brought together clergy, government officials, traditional leaders, alumni, and community members, all gathered to honour the remarkable dedication of the Brothers. A major highlight of the celebration was a fundraising ceremony organised not only to support St. Basilide Vocational and Technical School but also to contribute to other developmental projects the Brothers are undertaking in communities across the region. These projects include improving school infrastructure, expanding skills training, and extending social outreach to vulnerable groups.

The District Chief Executive for Nadowli–Kaleo, Madam Mary Haruna, attended the celebration as the Special Guest of Honour and demonstrated the district’s strong commitment to the Brothers’ work. She purchased a set of furniture valued at GHS 20,000 on behalf of the district to support the school and the congregation’s wider development initiatives. She also pledged to assist with gravelling the school compound, which becomes muddy during the rainy season and dusty in the dry months. Her gesture highlighted the fruitful partnership between local authorities and the Church, as well as the district’s appreciation for the Brothers’ enduring contributions to youth development and community empowerment.

The FIC Brothers’ 60-year journey in Ghana stands as a powerful testament to what faith, humility, and service can achieve. Through education, vocational training, character formation, community development, spiritual guidance, and care for the vulnerable, they have strengthened families and expanded opportunities for countless individuals. Their presence has deeply enriched the social and spiritual fabric of northern Ghana.

As the FIC Brothers step into the future, their mission remains as important as ever. The celebration in Kaleo serves as a reminder that the work of shaping strong, educated, and morally grounded communities is a collective responsibility. Government officials, traditional leaders, alumni, and development partners are called upon to support and sustain the institutions and values the Brothers have nurtured over the decades.

The Catholic Church in the North continues to show that true development thrives where faith meets action—and the FIC Brothers stand as one of the strongest proofs of this truth. As Kaleo celebrates 60 years of its presence, Ghana celebrates six decades of service, transformation, and hope.