“I let my guard down”: Catholic priest apologises for singing King Paluta’s Aseda at Mass

Acting Rector of St. Stephen Rectorate in Bodomase, in the Konongo-Mampong Diocese of Ghana, Rev. Fr. Peter Kusi Twumasi, has expressed deep regret for his recent actions that have sparked controversy within the Catholic community.

The priest’s decision to sing King Paluta’s secular song “Aseda” during a Mass led to widespread criticism and social media backlash.

Rev. Fr. Twumasi, in a letter addressed to Rev. Fr. Bernard Antwi-Bosiako, the Representative of the National Liturgical Commission, acknowledged his lapse in judgment.

“I let my guard down and allowed a secular influence to enter our sacred space,” he admits. The priest’s actions, captured in a viral video, have been widely condemned for mixing secular music with sacred liturgical practices, causing both confusion and offense among parishioners.

In his apology, Fr. Twumasi emphasized that his intention was never to undermine the Church’s traditions or faith. “I realize now that my mistake has caused offense and confusion, and for that, I am truly sorry,” he said.

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The priest expressed his mortification at the incident’s amplification on social media, which has brought unwanted attention and embarrassment to his community and the Church.

He however noted that he takes full responsibility for the incident and pledges to adhere more closely to the Church’s values and traditions moving forward. “I offer my sincerest apologies to our Bishop, the Diocese, National Liturgical Commission and the entire Catholic Community for any offense or scandal caused by my action,” he said.

Read the Full letter below

Dear Rev. Fr. Antwi-Bosiako,

I write to you with a heavy heart, filled with regret and humility. I am deeply sorry for my actions in relation
to the viral video featuring me singing a secular song ‘Aseda’ by King Paluta within a liturgical space. I let
my guard down and allowed a secular influence to enter our sacred space. I realize now that my mistake has
caused offense and confusion, and for that, I am truly sorry.

Please know that my intention was never to disrespect our traditions or our faith. I am committed to
upholding the values and teachings of our Church, and I fell short of that standard.

I am mortified that this incident has been amplified on social media, causing attention and embarrassment to
our community. I take full responsibility for my mistake and assure you that it will not happen again. I offer my sincerest apologies to our Bishop, the Diocese, National Liturgical Commission and the entire Catholic Community for any offense or scandal caused by my action. I commit to being more mindful and
disceming in my public expressions ensuring they align with the values and traditions of the One, Holy,
Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Please accept my sincerest apologies, and I hope that this letter will help clarify the situation and restore the
image of Konongo Mampong and the Catholic Church at large.

Sincerely,
Rev Fr. Peter Kusi Twumasi.
(Acting Rector of St Stephen Rectorate, Bodomase)