New General Counsellor and Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar
ROME, June 8, 2026 – Memorial of Saint Jacques Berthieu. Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, has announced the appointment of Fr. John Kobina Ghansah, SJ, currently the Provincial of the North-West Africa Province (ANW), as the new Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar and General Counsellor.
He will assume the role on January 6, 2027, succeeding Fr. Fratern Masawe, SJ, of the Jesuit Eastern Africa Province (AOR), who has diligently served the universal Society in this position since 2012. This same date will mark the conclusion of the interim leadership of Fr. Chukwuyenum A. Afiawari, SJ (ANW), the Director of the Communications Service at the General Curia, who has generously taken on this responsibility in the interim.
A leader formed in governance and mission
Fr. Ghansah's journey towards his current role has involved a diverse range of apostolates. He has engaged in pastoral work in parishes while also dedicating himself to the formation of young Jesuits. His talents have shone through in increasingly responsible positions, including serving as Socius to the Novice Master, Novice Master himself, and Provincial Assistant for Formation. He went on to serve as the Rector of Hekima University College in Nairobi, and later as Socius to the Provincial of the ANW Province. Since June 29, 2023, he has been leading the North-West Africa Province as its Provincial.
In his new mission, he brings a wealth of pastoral wisdom and governance experience, dedicating it to the service of Father General.
Gratitude for years of faithful service
Fr. Sosa expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Fratern Masawe, who has served as Regional Assistant and General Counsellor since 2012. Following the 36th General Congregation, he took on the added role of Assistant ad providentiam. Over more than fifteen years, Fr. Masawe's deep understanding of the life of the Society in Africa and Madagascar has been invaluable in supporting both Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, SJ, and Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ in fostering the growth of this important region. Although he is stepping down from the position of Regional Assistant, he will continue his service as General Counsellor and Assistant ad providentiam.
Fr. Sosa has likewise expressed his gratitude to Fr. Afiawari, whose generosity in assuming interim leadership has carried the region through this season of transition.
A call to prayer
“I commend Fr. Fratern Masawe and Fr. John Ghansah to your prayers, as well as all who collaborate with me in the governance of the Society,” Fr. Sosa wrote. “Through the intercession of Our Lady of the Way, let us ask the Lord for perseverance in our service of His mission of reconciliation and justice.”
