How a pharmacy encounter planted the seed for New Aplaku Ss. Peter Paul Catholic Church

Twenty-five years ago, a conversation in a humble pharmacy in New Aplaku planted a seed that has today blossomed into one of the most vibrant Catholic communities on Accra’s western outskirts. The Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

What began as a spontaneous discussion between Mr. Derx Baffour, Mrs. Cynthia Baffour, and Mr. Charles Ansah about a crucifix displayed in the Baffours’ shop, quickly grew into a bold vision: to bring the Catholic faith to a growing community then dominated by Pentecostal and Charismatic expressions of Christianity.

In the year 2000, the trio approached Very Rev. Fr. John Straathof, SVD, then Parish Priest of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Dansoman, to share their dream of building a Catholic presence in New Aplaku, Bortianor, SCC, Ayigbe Town, and nearby settlements. Fr. Straathof embraced the vision wholeheartedly.

Evangelisation took off with the help of Madam Sarah Appiah, who designed posters to call out Catholics in the neighbourhood. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of St. Margaret Mary Parish supported with outreach efforts.

Soon, a group from St. John the Baptist Parish, Odorkor, who had been worshipping at Mrs. Faustina Okrah’s home, joined the initiative. Together, these faithful formed the early nucleus of the community, celebrating their first Holy Mass on Sunday, 25th June 2000 at the Light of the Word School, with just 30 people in attendance.

From makeshift locations, a schoolroom and later, an uncompleted building at Christian Methodist Secondary School, the church grew steadily, with the dream of a large, inclusive parish capable of seating 2,000 faithful. The early community was enriched by many families whose names are now etched in the church’s spiritual history.

By March 12, 2006, the growing community moved to its current site, acquired from SSNIT under the leadership of Mr. Derx Baffour as Church Pastoral Council Chairman. Three months later, the community was elevated to the status of a Rectorate by Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, then Archbishop of Accra, with Fr. Straathof, SVD as its first Parochial Administrator.

The church’s organisational structure took shape, and attention turned to building a lasting sanctuary for worship and service.

Construction of the main chapel began in earnest in 2016 under the guidance of Mrs. Netta Ackon, then CPC Chair, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Vincent Owusu, SVD. On 4th January 2018, the ground was broken for a structure that would embody the founding members’ dream.

That same year, Msgr. Francis Adoboli, then Vicar General of the Archdiocese, laid the cornerstone. The foundation was strengthened not only by concrete and steel but also by the generosity of twelve families and individuals who funded the gallery’s supporting pillars.

Though progress was delayed for nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Fr. Owusu’s health challenges, the project found fresh momentum with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Hans-Gerber J.M. Agbenafa, SVD as Priest-in-Charge in September 2020. With renewed leadership, construction resumed in 2022.

By 2023, the trusses had been fabricated and installed, thanks to discounted support from Mars Galvatech. Roofing followed with materials from Domod Aluminium Company Limited, also offered on favourable terms.

In December 2024, the faithful celebrated Holy Mass in the new chapel for the first time, a milestone reached through the blood, sweat, and prayer of an entire community.

Named after Saints Peter and Paul, whose feast day is observed just days after the church’s inaugural Mass, the parish embodies the spirit of these apostolic giants. Peter’s legacy of apostolic succession and Paul’s theological contributions remain the pillars of the community’s spiritual formation.

Throughout the years, lay leaders, parishioners, priests, and volunteers, from Mr. Nicholas Amenyedzi’s Project Committee to the likes of Fr. Stephen Dogodzi, SVD, Fr. Conrad Dryer, Fr. Peter Atsu, and consultant Mr. Prince Agbodjan have worked hand-in-hand to transform a vision into a reality.