About 150 delegates from 30 countries are expected in Accra from August 10–17, 2025, for the triennial Congress of the Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP), which will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the preservation of human values.
The Congress, scheduled to take place at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), will be held under the theme: “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
Participants will include journalists, researchers, ecclesiastical communicators, technology leaders, non-governmental organisations, government representatives and Vatican envoys.
UCAP is a pan-African, independent Catholic media association that promotes professionalism, freedom of expression, solidarity and ethical discourse within the media fraternity. The Congress aims to foster networking, dialogue, and capacity-building among Catholic communicators across Africa and other regions.
Ghana’s selection as host country reflects the relevance of its dynamic socio-cultural environment and growing reputation as a centre of digital innovation. Organisers say Accra, with its blend of colonial landmarks, entrepreneurial spirit, arts and culture, aptly mirrors the Congress theme.
The week-long gathering will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops and strategic meetings designed to interrogate the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies. Discussions will cover the corporate responsibilities that accompany AI deployment and examine how startups can embrace environmentally friendly practices while integrating AI systems.
Other areas of focus will include the reprogramming and distortion of social reality through digital platforms, and the rising concerns around digital wellbeing and how media users and practitioners can adopt more mindful and balanced digital lifestyles. These conversations are expected to generate practical responses to the challenges posed by pervasive digital engagement.
The Congress will also deliberate on issues of ecological education and sustainable resource stewardship, alongside reflections on how Catholic and African media can support the spirit of synodality — the Church’s call to walk together in unity, dialogue and participation.
The Congress will deliver practical outcomes, including the training of 150 media practitioners on the ethical and human-centred use of AI. Organisers expect to produce strategic action plans for governments, corporate institutions and civil society, as well as a media agenda on the social implications of AI. Frameworks for ecological education and media literacy will also be developed and rolled out across UCAP national branches.
Post-event monitoring will be conducted through media reports by member organisations and regional refresher training sessions.
Delegates will be encouraged to explore Ghana’s cultural heritage during their stay. Optional excursions will include visits to Kakum National Park, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Accra’s Arts Centre and beach resorts such as Labadi. Guests may also experience local festivals such as Homowo and Aboakyer.
The Organising Committee is co-chaired by Mrs Victoria Lugey and Sir Ben Assorow. Other members include UCAP President Mr Charles Ayetan; President of the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners, Ghana (CAMPG), Mr Stephen Asante; Prof Ben Nnamdi Emenyeonu; Dr Anthony Bonnah-Koomson; Mr Peter Martey Agbeko; Mr Christian Kpesese; Mr Stephen Boakye; Father Rex Vegbey; and Fr Dieu Donne Davor.
Organisers describe the Congress as more than a gathering of professionals — a continental movement calling for ethical media practices and a commitment to using technology in ways that promote human dignity, justice, unity and environmental stewardship.
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