Sahakpaligu: The Saint Augustine Millennium Major Seminary (SAMS) has launched its 25th anniversary celebration at Sahakpaligu in the Nanton District of the Northern Region. The event marked the beginning of an eight-month-long celebration featuring a series of activities, including public lectures, a seminarians' forum, clean-up exercises, fun games, and an open day, among others.
According to Ghana News Agency, the anniversary will be climaxed on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The launch was attended by Most Reverend Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, and many priests, including the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir. Most Reverend Peter Paul Angkyier, Bishop of the Damongo Diocese, officially launched the anniversary with the theme: 'SAMS @25: Forming Priests for the World Today - The Role of Philosophical Formation'.
As part of the launch, a newly constructed 12-bedroom accommodation block for seminarians and a formator was handed over. The unveiling of the anniversary project also included the purchase of a 33-seater bus to address the seminary's transportation challenges. Very Reverend Father Daniel Fuseini Saaka, Rector of SAMS, reflected on the institution's journey, noting that it began 25 years ago with the establishment of a separate campus focused on philosophical formation.
He added that the anniversary provides an opportunity to look back at their beginnings, acknowledge achievements, recognize challenges, and map out a path to fully realize the seminary's vision. The seminary, which started in September 2000 with only 18 seminarians and three formators, has seen growth despite numerous challenges, including the lack of an administration block, library, bus, and storage facilities.
Very Reverend Father Saaka highlighted that over the past 25 years, more than 800 seminarians have gone through the seminary, with an estimated 600 now serving as priests. Most Reverend Peter Paul Angkyier, who also presided over the celebration of Holy Mass during the launch, emphasized the importance of reconciliation, growth, transformation, and spiritual renewal, particularly during the Lenten season.
He urged the faithful to restore their relationship with God by acknowledging their sins and committing to a righteous life. He underscored the need for peaceful coexistence with neighbors, encouraging everyone to strive for harmony and unity. Reverend Father Robert Amegah Quarshie, Assistant Headmaster in-charge of Administration at St Charles Minor Seminary Senior High School in Tamale and a member of the pioneer year group of SAMS, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of his colleagues.
He commended the seminary for the training they received, recalling the humble beginnings of the institution. He expressed profound gratitude to the formators of their time, who provided quality formation despite the difficulties, shaping them into who they are today.
