The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan in Ghana’s Otis Region has issued an open letter to Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding swift justice following the brutal assault of three Indian missionary Priests in the Nkwanta South Municipality on December 11, 2024.
The December 30, 2024 letter, signed by the Most Rev. Gabriel A. A. Mante, Bishop of the Jasikan Diocese, raised concerns about the delay from the Ghana Police Service in addressing the assault on the missionary Priests.
The Capuchin Priests, identified as Fr. Robinson Melkis, Fr. Martin George, and Fr. Henry Jacob were attacked while refueling a bulldozer they had hired for the construction of a Formation House in Chaiso.
The violent encounter occurred at a local fuel station, where they were assaulted by a group of young men who took the law into their own hands.
In the letter, it was stated that Fr. Henry Jacob sustained severe injuries, including a broken left eardrum, which necessitated his return to India for further medical care.
The Diocese expressed gratitude to the IGP for his initial response, which included providing medical attention to Fr. Jacob at the Police Hospital in Accra.
However, the letter signed by Bishop Mante, expressed deep disappointment over the lack of arrests despite clear video evidence identifying the assailants.
“We are, however, appalled that to date, despite the clear video evidence, the executors of the assault are still walking free with no arrests made,” the letter stated.
The Diocese also questioned whether the nationality of the victims has Influenced the police response, suggesting that the Indian priests may not be receiving the justice they deserve due to their foreign status.
“Are we right to believe that since the victims of the unjustifiable beatings are of Indian nationality and not Ghanaian nationals, they cannot receive justice from the Ghana Police Service by arresting the executors of this heinous crime?”, the letter asked.
The letter also pointed out the initial swift response from the IGP, who provided health care to one of the priests immediately following the attack, but expressed concern that this promptness has since faded.
“Has he suddenly forgotten this gross injustice meted out to the three Priests?” the open letter questioned, urging the police to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
Bishop Mante in the letter warned that failure to arrest those responsible for the attack could have a negative effect on the relationship between India and Ghana, stating, “We stand to be corrected if the Ghana Police Service, headed by the IGP is not aware of the disgraceful and possible sour relationships that could develop between India and the Ghana governments if the culprits are not arrested and brought to justice?”
The Jasikan Diocese assured of its thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire Catholic community in Ghana, expressing hope for healing and peace in the wake of this tragic incident.
By Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
