The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua in Ghana’s Eastern Region, the Most. Rev. Joseph Afrifah- Agyekum, has advised candidates in the order of deacons not to compromise to any form of sin, since “sin is sin and wrong is wrong”.
In a homily at the diaconate ordination at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church at Somanya on January 25, 2023, he called on the candidates, as prophets of today, to be courageous in speaking and addressing challenges facing people.
He said the rise in cancer cases due to the use of mercury and other chemicals during galamsey acts was problematic, urging the Priests, Religious lay faithful to help protect the environment.
The nine Deacons ordained are Dickson Nukuku Abotsi from Somanya Parish; Simon Asimeng from Achiase Quasi Parish; Benjamin Sam- Adjekum from Akim – Tafo Parish; Stephen Foli from Nsawam Parish; Melchizedek Bemponh Agyeman from Akwatia Parish; Richard Edem Mawusi from Asokore Quasi Parish; Charles Kwasi Duah Jnr from St. Bakhita, Koforidua Parish; Silas Kweku Modzi from Adoagyiri – Nsawam Parish.
Bishop Afrifah- Agyekum entreated the Deacons to serve the people in love and honesty and to work with zeal as St Paul to build the Church.
Quoting Pope Francis, the Bishop of Koforidua asked the Deacons to be “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.”
He advised them to serve the church, even in the rural areas and should be ready to accept appointments, to live and work with the people.
Very Rev. Fr. Bright Kennedy Agyapong, Parish Priest St. Peter’s Church, thanked God for for a successful ordination since it was the first time after a century that the Church in Somanya was hosting a diaconate ordination.
In attendance were: The Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Msgr. Francis Twum-Barimah, about fifty diocesan Priests, Religious men and women from various religious congregations, family, relatives, parishioners, and friends of the deacons.
Also present were the MCE for Yilo Krobo, Hon. Eric Tetteh; the Queen Mothers of the Yilo Krobo Coordinating Council; Mr. Eric Hinneh, Coordinating Director; Presiding member of Yilo Krobo District Assembly, Hon. Robert Agede; Dr. Adu- Ampomah from COCOBOD; Dr. Isaac Abbam, a lecturer from UESD- Somanya; Management and Staff of Mount Mary College Of Education – Somanya; Management and Staff of St. Martin De Porres Hospital-Agomanya.
The Chairperson of the Church, Mr. Sekyi Narh-Tetteh congratulated the newly ordained deacons on behalf of the church and thanked all and sundry for their presence, prayer, and support for such a joyous and memorable celebration.
By Sr. Jennifer Aikins, HDR
