The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into an alleged assault on three missionary Catholic priests near Nkwanta in the Oti Region. The incident reportedly occurred on December 11, 2024, during a visit to inspect a development project site.
Preliminary reports indicate that the priests were traveling with officials from the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, including the Municipal Engineer, to Chieso. Their mission was to assess a plot of land cleared as part of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). Along the route, a group of youth confronted the team, accusing them of stealing project equipment. This confrontation escalated, leading to the physical assault of one of the priests.
The injured priest was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. The police emphasized that the priests were treated as victims throughout the process and were not detained at any point.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has reassured the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, represented by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, of a thorough investigation. He pledged full police support to ensure justice for the victims and bring the perpetrators to account.
