A priest of the Archdiocese of Accra, Rev. Fr. John Armah Koufie, who has been transferred to work in the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom has described his new assignment as an opportunity to show solidarity with the ‘Church in need.”
The transfer, announced by Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie of Accra, is in tandem with the Fidei Donum program, which sends priests to mission territories to foster growth and solidarity within the global Church.
In an interview with Catholic Trends, Fr. Koufie shared his reflections on the move to the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom. “I thank God for this opportunity to share in the mission of His Son, Jesus Christ. And in a special way to exercise this ministry of service among the people of the Afram Plains. I am grateful to my Local Ordinary, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie and Most Rev. John Asiedu of the Donkokrom Apostolic Vicariate.” he said.
He added that the new assignment comes with mixed feelings of faith and fear. “I have been happy about this mission, when talks about it began. At the same time, there has been mixed feelings, of faith and fear, based on some responses upon the announcement on Saturday, 17th August. This is another great opportunity to show our solidarity with ‘the church in need’.”
The Priest added that, “I am looking forward to a learning experience; from the good people of the Afram Plains, both clergy and lay. I also trust in the Graces and Providence of God for this mission. May Jesus Christ be praised.”
Archbishop Kwofie’s announcement on August 17 also included the transfer of Fr. Joseph Arthur and Fr. William Abaiku Apprey, though their new assignments have not yet been disclosed.
The Fidei Donum program, established by Pope Pius XII in 1957, aims to address the needs of the Church in mission territories by sending priests and laypersons from more developed dioceses to less developed regions. Fr. Koufie’s transfer is a practical expression of this program, reflecting both the call to mission and the Church’s solidarity across different regions.
