Ghana: As migration patterns shift across West Africa, the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) have become a beacon of hope for thousands seeking refuge and survival in Aflao, a border town straddling Ghana and Togo. In one of the region’s most overcrowded informal settlements—known locally as the Aflao Ghetto—these sisters are walking hand in hand with displaced communities, delivering vital care and restoring dignity to those who’ve lost so much.
At the heart of this mission is Sr. Mary-Consolata Serwah Ntenye, whose spiritual calling led her directly into the margins. Her work began in response to the increasing tide of migrants and refugees arriving from neighboring nations such as Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo. Many arrive in Aflao with nothing but the will to survive.
Recognizing the depth of the crisis, the SMMC established the Migrants and Refugees Outreach Program, aimed at providing comprehensive support—healthcare, education, human rights advocacy, and livelihood assistance.
“The lack of access to healthcare is one of the biggest challenges these communities face,” Sr. Mary-Consolata explained. The program partners with local clinics to offer free consultations, distribute essential medications, and raise awareness on preventive healthcare and maternal-child wellness. Medical support has become a lifeline in a place where instability and overcrowding make disease and malnutrition ever-present threats.
For the sisters, education is not just a service—it’s a form of empowerment. Sr. Mary-Consolata has helped implement learning centers for children, youth, and adults, aimed at integrating children into formal schooling and equipping adults with practical job skills. She also works closely with local educators to make sure that refugee children aren’t left behind or denied access due to legal or financial barriers.
Beyond humanitarian aid, the SMMC initiative takes a firm stand on human rights. Sr. Mary-Consolata has emerged as a strong advocate for those who suffer discrimination, abuse, and legal exclusion. Her voice calls attention to the rights guaranteed by international refugee conventions, demanding that host communities and institutions uphold the dignity of the displaced.
Their mission has received both recognition and backing, including support from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which helps sustain operations and outreach efforts in underserved regions.
A major focus of the program is on nurturing community harmony. With tensions occasionally rising between locals and migrants over limited resources, Sr. Mary-Consolata has spearheaded dialogue initiatives and collaborative projects to encourage mutual understanding and cooperation. Her goal is not just aid—but integration, inclusion, and a sense of shared humanity.
Still, the path is steep. “We’re reaching a breaking point,” Sr. Mary-Consolata admitted. “The numbers keep growing, but the resources don’t.” A shortage of funds, crumbling infrastructure, and regional instability continue to hamper expansion efforts.
Yet, she remains undeterred. With faith as her compass and service as her mission, Sr. Mary-Consolata is committed to widening the circle of compassion—one clinic visit, one schoolbook, and one human connection at a time. In a world often divided by borders, the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church are proving that solidarity knows none.