Archbishop of Tamale imposes suspension on Fr. Kelvin Minnow

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, Ghana, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, has issued a suspension against Rev. Fr. Kelvin Minnow, citing a series of grave canonical violations and repeated disobedience to ecclesiastical authority.

The suspension, which takes on April 3, 2025, is indefinite and will remain in place until Fr. Minnow demonstrates a commitment to reform and returns to the Archdiocese.

In a letter addressed directly to Fr. Minnow, the Archbishop detailed the numerous unsuccessful attempts to correct the priest’s actions through fraternal correction, admonishment, and other measures outlined in the Code of Canon Law.

“Having made several fruitless attempts through admonishment, fraternal corrections and other means stipulated in canons 1339 and 1341 of the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law to get you reform your ways and avoid scandal to the community in the conduct of your life and ministry,” the Archbishop wrote.

What do Canons 1339 and 1341 say?

Canon 1339:

“The following persons are to be punished with a just penalty for violations of law, according to the gravity of the offense:

1. Clerics who violate the obligations of their office and fail to take care of their duties are to be subjected to the penalties described in this book.

2. Penalties are also to be imposed on clerics who, though not being bound to the obligations of office, gravely violate ecclesiastical law or scandalize the faithful by their conduct.”**

Canon 1341:

“Before imposing a penalty, the competent authority must investigate the facts and allow the accused a chance to defend themselves, except when the penalty is for a light offense or when the law explicitly permits a penalty to be imposed without investigation.”

One of the primary reasons for the suspension was Fr. Minnow’s unauthorized absence from his parish since January 2025, which the Archbishop described as a violation of Canon 1396. This absence occurred without proper communication with either the parish priest or the Archbishop himself, an act considered “a grave violation of law.”

What does Canon 1396 say?

Canon 1396:

“A person who gravely violates the obligation of residence to which he is bound by reason of an ecclesiastical office is to be punished with a just penalty, not excluding, after a warning, deprivation of the office.”

The Archbishop’s letter emphasized the seriousness of this neglect, which breaches the obligations of residence tied to his ecclesiastical office. “A person who gravely violates the obligation of residence to which he is bound by reason of an ecclesiastical office is to be punished with a just penalty, not excluding, after a warning, deprivation of the office,” the letter added.

The Archbishop also expressed his frustration with Fr. Minnow’s continued defiance, noting that despite multiple attempts to summon him for an administrative process, Fr. Minnow refused to cooperate.

“Having observed from all these attempts and proceedings that you are still adamant to my instructions and chosen to do what pleases you thereby manifesting your gross disrespect, disregard and disobedience to me, your competent and legitimate superior, which are clear external manifestations of a deliberate attempt to disobey me, which are considered grave and punishable,” the Archbishop stated.

As a result of these grave offenses, the Archbishop imposed the penalty of suspension with immediate effect, invoking the penalties outlined in Canon 1333, §§1 & 2. This includes the suspension of all duties, ministries, and functions that Fr. Minnow previously held.

“I hereby SUSPEND you IMMEDIATELY and INDETERMINATELY. In this regard, the penalties mentioned in canon 1333 $$ 1 &2 of the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law are hereby applied on you until you return to the diocese and manifest clear evidence of reform.”

What does Canon 1333, §§1 & 2 say?

Canon 1333, §§1 & 2:

§1. “A suspension is a penal punishment by which a person is deprived, in whole or in part, of the exercise of his or her powers or rights, including, as the case may be, the exercise of a sacred office or ministry.”

§2. “Suspension is to be imposed only in cases where it is determined that the person has violated a serious law or failed to fulfill duties and obligations inherent to their office or ministry.”

Additionally, the Archbishop has imposed expiatory penalties as mentioned in Canon 1336, including the deprivation of several rights and privileges. These include the removal of Fr. Minnow’s faculties for hearing confessions, preaching, and governance. The priest is also deprived of all ecclesiastical remuneration, in accordance with the guidelines of the Episcopal Conference.

What does Canon 1336 say?

Canon 1336:

§1. “The penalties for a person who has committed an offense are determined by the gravity of the offense and the person’s status. They can include:

1. deprivation of some rights, privileges, or honors;

2. prohibition from exercising certain rights or functions;

3. deprivation of the faculty to hear confessions or to preach;

4. deprivation of an ecclesiastical office or function;

5. other penalties according to the norms of law.”

§2. “The penalties mentioned in §1 are to be imposed after due process, and in accordance with the judgment of the competent authority.”

§3. “For grave offenses, the following expiatory penalties can be applied:

1. exclusion from the ministry;

2. prohibition from performing certain acts, functions, or duties within the ecclesiastical community;

3. restriction or deprivation of privileges associated with the clerical state;

4. deprivation of sacred ministry functions, including the ability to hear confessions or preach.”

§4. “In the case of grave offenses, penalties for individuals who hold ecclesiastical office may include deprivation of all offices, ministries, or functions, as well as loss of remuneration, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Episcopal Conference.”

The Archbishop warned that if Fr. Minnow does not return to the diocese or provide information on his whereabouts within six months, further, harsher penalties, including possible dismissal from the clerical state, will be pursued.

“If after six (6) months continuously, I do not receive any information of your whereabouts or of your return to the diocese, I shall proceed to initiate other stiffer penalties, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state as indicated in canon 1392,” he wrote.

What does Canon 1392 say?

Canon 1392:

“A cleric who has committed an offense, which, according to the gravity of the matter, deserves dismissal from the clerical state, is to be dismissed from the clerical state by the competent authority after the necessary process has been followed.”