Bishop Attakruh announces appointments, transfers and institutional reshuffle in Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese

Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana : Daniel Orlando – The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, has announced a significant reshuffle in the diocese involving appointments, transfers, study leaves, and retirements of priests. The changes, which affect various parishes, rectorates, institutions, and chaplaincies, are set to take effect from August 15, 2025, unless otherwise indicated.

New Appointments to Parishes and Rectorates

Four priests have been assigned leadership roles in newly established parishes and rectorates:
* Rev. Fr. Michael Buah becomes the Parochial Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Dompim.
* Rev. Fr. Ernest Boateng is appointed Rector of the Sacred Heart Rectorate, Supomu Dunkwa.
* Rev. Fr. John Kofi Allou assumes dual roles as Rector of Holy Family Rectorate, Asankragwa New Town, and Chaplain to the Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Asankragwa.
* Rev. Fr. Alex Amponsah is named Rector of Ahwetieso-Akyempim Rectorate and Chaplain to Fiaseman Senior High School, Akyempim, residing at St. Anthony’s Rectory, Tamso.

Priestly Transfers
A number of priests have been reassigned to various parishes across the diocese:
* Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi Arthur – St. Mary’s Parish, Wasa Nsuta
* Rev. Fr. John Baptist Ephraim St. Teresa’s Parish, Essikado
* Rev. Fr. Anthony Aikins St. Francis Xavier Parish, Assorko Esamang
* Rev. Fr. Francis Baffoe Davis Immaculate Conception Parish, Asankragwa
* Rev. Fr. Anthony Gyan St. Alphonsus Parish, Wasa Saa
* Rev. Fr. Eric Anyindoh St. Anthony’s Parish, Tikobo 1
* Rev. Fr. Wilfred Bebodu St. Peter’s Parish, Shama Junction

Additionally, several priests have been appointed as Rectors or Parochial Vicars:
* Rev. Fr. James Ndah Rector, St. Peter’s Rectorate, Bawdie
* Rev. Fr. Nicholas Nketsiah Rector, Immaculate Conception Parish, Asankragwa
* Rev. Fr. Bob Kumi Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Conception Rectorate, Abura
* Rev. Fr. Vincent Ackon Parochial Vicar, St. Patrick’s Parish, Half Assini
* Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Amotoe Kwofie Parochial Vicar, St. Michael’s Parish, Manso Amenfi
* Rev. Fr. John Kerson Essien Parochial Vicar, St. Mary’s Parish, Kengen
* Rev. Fr. Austin Prince Henry Agyim Parochial Vicar, St. Michael’s Parish, Bogoso

Appointments in Health Services
In the diocesan health sector, the following chaplaincy and administrative roles were announced:
* Rev. Fr. Marino Konto Deputy Diocesan Director of Health (residing at Star of the Sea Cathedral, Takoradi)

* Rev. Fr. Augustine Lobianco Bannor Chaplain, St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Eikwe
* Rev. Fr. Anthony Quarm Chaplain, Holy Child Hospital, Fijai & Effiankwanta Regional Hospital (residing at St. Peter’s Rectory, New Takoradi)
* Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Sikayena Chaplain, Allan Rooney Catholic Hospital, Asankragwa

These appointments also take effect from August 15, 2025.

Other Key Assignments

* Rev. Fr. Anthony Yawson has been appointed as Diocesan Estate Manager, effective immediately, while continuing his role as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Shama.

Studies, Retirement, and Leave

The bishop also announced that three priests are proceeding on further studies:
* Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Kwamena Takyi – to Rome
* Rev. Fr. Gilbert Saniagya and Rev. Fr. Albert Asare – pursuing Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at the University of Cape Coast
Rev. Msgr. James Margaret Mesu has officially retired and will reside at Sacred Heart Rectory, Aboso.

Four priests will begin sabbatical leave in North America:
* Rev. Fr. Charles Oppong – Diocese of Salina, USA
* Rev. Fr. James Kwaw Awiah – Diocese of Brownsville, USA
* Rev. Fr. Isaac Mensah – Diocese of Brownsville, USA
* Rev. Fr. Isaac Atta Mensah – Diocese of Saskatoon, Canada
Two priests have been granted sick leave:
* Rev. Fr. Joseph Enimil – Residing at St. Matthew’s Rectory, Tarkwa
* Rev. Fr. Frederick Ebo Saim – Residing at St. Teresa’s Rectory, Essikado

In a letter addressed to the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese, Bishop Attakruh expressed his prayerful support for all priests assuming new responsibilities and those stepping aside. He called for unity, understanding, and fervent prayers as the diocese continues its pastoral mission.