A new hermitage at the Archbishop Andoh Catechetical Centre, Kordiabe, near Shai Hills, has been built in honour of the late Most Rev. John Kodwo Amissah, a distinguished Catholic leader and former Archbishop of Cape Coast Archdiocese, who served the Church and society with dedication.
The project, spearhead by the Accra East Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International and Accra East Grand Ladies’ Auxiliary (KSJI) was officially handed over to the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The ceremony brought together clergy, members of the Knights of St. John International and invited guests for a memorable occasion marked by prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection.
Delivering the homily during the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Maj. John Benya Mensah, Grand Spiritual Director of the Accra East Grand, urged Christians to live as faithful witnesses of the risen Lord.
Speaking on the theme, “You Are Called to Witness the Resurrection of Christ,” he reminded the congregation that every Christian has a duty to proclaim the hope, joy, and victory that come through Christ’s resurrection.
He explained that many people are searching for a place to encounter God, and the Hermitage would serve as a sacred place for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
He encouraged members of the Church and the public to direct people to the Hermitage so they may grow closer to God.
Fr. Benya Mensah further urged the faithful to help others understand the Bible and the liturgy, stressing that witnessing Christ goes beyond words and must be seen in acts of love, service, and compassion toward others.
He prayed that all who support their Brothers and Sisters on the journey of faith would one day be counted among the saints.
The event was attended by Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, who represented the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra; Rev. Fr. Silas Sapati, Director of the Archbishop Andoh Catechetical Centre; Noble Sister Emma Ethel Asomani, President of the Supreme Subordinate Ladies’ Auxiliary, Ghana; the Members of the Joint Board of Trustees of the Accra East Grand Commandery and Accra East Grand Ladies’ Auxiliary; Presidents of Local Commanderies and Subordinate Ladies’ Auxiliaries, Brothers and Sisters from the various Local Commanderies and Ladies’ Auxiliaries within the Accra East Grand; and members of the family of the late Archbishop John Kodwo Amissah, in whose memory the Hermitage was erected.
Born on November 27, 1922 at Elmina, Archbishop Amissah was ordained a priest on December 11, 1949. He later earned a Doctor of Canon Law degree from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome in 1954. On June 16, 1957, he was consecrated bishop and later enthroned Archbishop of Cape Coast on June 8, 1960.
Throughout his life, Archbishop Amissah held several important positions in the Church, including President of the Bishops’ Conference of Ghana, Vice-President of SECAM, President of AECAWA, and Grand Spiritual Director of the Knights and Ladies of St. John from 1960 to 1991.
He also served in several national roles, including Chairman of the University of Cape Coast Council and Member of the Council of State.
Archbishop Amissah was called to eternal glory on September 23, 1991. His legacy of faith, service, and leadership continues to inspire generations.
The handing over of the Hermitage stands as a lasting tribute to his memory and a valuable spiritual gift to the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
