The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra is likely to have a vacant seat for the Vicar General position following the appointment of Monsignor. John Kobina Louis as Auxiliary Bishop of Accra by Pope Francis.
What this means is that Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie could appoint someone to act as Vicar General after the Bishop-elect’s ordination or maintain him.
Typically, every Diocese/Archdiocese has only one Vicar General. According to canon law, the bishop is able to appoint a Vicar General and remove him whenever he chooses.
The candidate must be at least 30 years old, an expert in canon law and theology, unrelated to the Bishop and of good character.
A Vicar General reports directly to the Bishop and is usually the moderator of the curia, also known as the Diocesan offices.
Although it is not clear if a new appointment will be made and when it will be made, It is expected that a replacement is made after the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor John Kobina Louis.
Catholic Trends is currently putting together an analysis pointing to who among the priests in Accra, is likely to be appointed the next Vicar General.
Until then, let us introduce you to the two immediate past Vicars of Accra.
Monsignor John Kobina Louis
Monsignor John Kobina Louis, Ph.D is one of the newly announced Auxiliary Bishops-Elect of the Archdiocese of Accra. . He was born on the 24th of November,1964 to Mr. Vincent Louis and Mrs. Catherine Esi Dede Louis.
He had his basic education at the Roman Catholic Basic School, Nima -Accra and went to St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast from 1978 to 1985. He was ordained a Priest on 18th July,1992.
He also had his BA in Religious Studies and Sociology at the University of Ghana from 1988 to 1991. Between 2002 and 2004, Fr. Louis studied at the Pontifical Urbaniana University (Rome) and obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology.
He has a certificate in Financial Management and Budgeting at GIMPA, Accra from 1996 to 1996.
He is currently the acting President of the Catholic Institute of Business and Technology. He is also a lecturer and the Academic Dean of the Catholic Institute of Business and Technology, Accra.
Monsignor John Louis served in various sectors of the archdiocese of Accra. From 2006 to 2012 he was the Cathedral Administrator, at Holy Spirit Cathedral, Accra. From 2004 to 2006 he was the Associate Cathedral Administrator, at Holy Spirit Cathedral, Accra.
From 1998 to 2002 he was the Parish Priest of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Tema.
From 1997 to 2002 he was the Director of, the Pastoral Centre, Accra Archdiocese.
From 1996 to 2002 he was the Financial Administrator, of Accra Archdiocese.
From 1995 to 1998 he was the Priest-in-charge of the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Tema.
From 1992 to 1995 he was the Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Tema (he was responsible for the outstations: St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Tema; St. Peter’s Church, Tema New Town; and St. Michael’s Church, Michel Camp).
From 2017 to 2018 he was the Chairman of the Academic Quality Assurance Committee, CIBT
From 2016 to date he is the President, of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists (Ghana Chapter)
From 2015 to date he is the Chairman of the Faculty Board, CIBT.
From 2015 to date he is the Chairman of the Examination Committee, CIBT.
From 2015 to 2018 he was the Chairman of the Graduate Programme Management Committee, CIBT.
From 2014 to date he is the Chairman of the Congregation Planning Committee, CIBT.
From 2010 to date he is a Member of the Academic Board, CIBT.
From 2006 to date he is a Member of the Council of Priests, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra.
From 2007 to 2011 he was the President, of the National Union of Ghana Diocesan Priests’ Associations.
From 2006 to 2014 he was a Member of the College of Consultors, Catholic Archdiocese of Accra.
From 2006 to 2010 he was the Chairman of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Committee, Accra.
From 2003 to 2004 he was the President of the Ecclesiastical Union of Ghanaian Students in Rome (Italy).
From 1997 to 2002 he was a member of the College of Consultors, Catholic Archdiocese of Accra.
From 1997 to 2002 he was a Member of the Council of Priests, the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra.
From 1996 to 2002 he was the Financial Secretary of the National Union of Ghana Diocesan Priests’ Associations.
From 1996 to 2002 he was a member of the Board of Directors, of Accra Catholic Press (Accra).
Between 2010 to 2014 Monsignor John Kobena Louis obtained his PhD in Religions at the University of Ghana.
He was the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Accra until Holiness Pope Francis appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, and is assigned the Titular Seat of Fessei (Fesseitanus), pr. Numidia. on 14th February 2023.
Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis Adoboli
Very Rev. Fr. Francis Adoboli, former Vicar General of the Accra Archdiocese will on July 13, 2023 mark his 32nd year in Priesthood.
Very Rev. Fr. Francis Adoboli was ordained as a priest in July 1991 by the late Most Rev. Dominic Andoh at Battor in the Volta Region.
He was born in Kpenu, near Dabala in the Volta Region and had his education at the St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu in the Central Region.
He also attended Pope John Senior High School and Junior Seminary in Koforidua.
The former Vicar General is a PhD holder in the Study of Religions from the University of Ghana, Legon.
He is currently on Sabbaticals.
