In a shocking turn of events, the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the alleged assault of three Catholic priests near Nkwanta in the Oti Region.
The incident, which occurred on December 11, 2024, has sparked widespread condemnation from the Catholic community and law enforcement agencies.
According to preliminary police investigations, the three priests were traveling with officials from the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly to inspect a plot of land when they were confronted by a group of youth.
The youth accused the priests of stealing equipment, leading to a heated confrontation that resulted in one of the priests being physically assaulted.
The injured priest was rushed to the hospital, where he received treatment and was later discharged.
The police have assured that the priests have been treated as victims throughout the investigation process and were not detained at any point.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has personally spoken with the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, to assure him of a thorough investigation and pledged support to the affected priests.
Meanwhile, the police are working to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Reactions
In a statement, the Jasikan Diocesan Youth Council (JADYC) has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “senseless act of brutality” that deserves swift condemnation from all quarters.
The Catholic Church has long been a beacon of peace, love, and compassion, and it is disturbing to see its clergy being targeted in this manner.
The JADYC has urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow the law to take its course, while also appealing to the public to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands.
-BY Daniel Bampoe