By Paschal Norbert
NKWANTA, DECEMBER 13, 2024 (CISA) – The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the brutal assault of three Catholic priests at a fuel station in Nkwanta on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, by youth believed to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party.
The priests, identified as Frs Robinson Melkis, Frank Henry Jacob, and Martin George, all members of the Capuchin Friars, were attacked by a mob who falsely accused them of attempting to steal municipal road equipment.
The priests, who were accompanied by two officials from the Nkwanta-South Municipal Assembly, had hired a bulldozer from the Assembly to work on land designated for a Formation House project for seminarians in Chaiso. While fueling the equipment at a local station, they were confronted and mercilessly beaten before being rescued by officers of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Fr Frank Henry Jacob suffered severe injuries, including hearing loss in one ear, and has been referred to a local hospital for specialized treatment. The two municipal officials, the Engineer and the Town and Country Planning Officer, also sustained injuries in the attack.
The unfortunate incident has led to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch of Nkwanta-South issuing a statement condemning the assault.
In a press release dated December 12, 2024, and signed by Prince Succeed Fiagadzi, the Constituency Secretary for Nkwanta South, the NDC apologized to the priests and the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, expressing deep regret for the “harm, trauma, and distress” caused.
“Your selfless dedication to serving humanity and spreading the message of love and compassion deserves utmost respect and gratitude,” the statement read.
He also criticized certain individuals within the Nkwanta-South Municipal Assembly, accusing them of failing to provide proper documentation to facilitate the priests’ movements, which they claim led to the misunderstanding.
Msgr Joseph Kofi Nsiah, Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, had also condemned the attack and clarified that the priests had paid GH¢9,700 to hire the equipment. He revealed that the priests were initially remanded following the mob’s report, but have since been granted bail.
Parts of the assault were captured on video and have sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for swift justice for the priests and municipal officials.
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the commencement of investigations into the incident. According to their preliminary findings, the priests were traveling with municipal officials to inspect the cleared site for the equipment. A confrontation ensued when some youth accused them of stealing the machinery. One priest was injured and treated at the hospital before being discharged.
The police emphasized that at no point were the priests detained as suspects. Instead, they are being treated as victims in the ongoing investigation.
“Efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi in a press release.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has assured the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of a thorough investigation and pledged support for the affected priests.
