Priesthood a ‘gift’ to share Christ’s mission – Newly ordained in Accra 

Accra-Ghana,  – Twelve newly ordained priests who received Holy Orders on Saturday, July 26, in the Archdiocese of Accra, Ghana, have described the priesthood as a divine gift, calling it an invitation to participate in the mission of Christ through service and love.

Speaking on behalf of his brother priests during the vote of thanks at the ordination ceremony held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Odorkor, Rev. Fr. Frederick Asante Owusu said “The priesthood is indeed a gift from God to us to participate in Christ’s mission of service and love.”

The ordination Mass, presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., saw the elevation of twelve men to the sacred priesthood—seven for the Archdiocese of Accra and five for religious congregations.

The newly ordained are Rev. Frs. Issac Kofi Dunyoh, Toussaint Nianza Wadia, Peter Oppong-Ampofo, Victor Yaw Ampim, Frederick Asante Owusu, Roland Kwupoli Kajelo, and Michael Owusu-Amponsah for the Archdiocese of Accra; Friars Emmanuel Sor and Aaron Melchizedek for the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans); Don Nicodemus Besigrinee, SDB and Don Stephen Mensah Teye, SDB for the Salesians of Don Bosco; and Fr. Thomas Edem Djabaku, SJ for the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Fr. Owusu noted that the journey to priesthood was not simply a result of academic preparation or human effort, but of divine encounter.

“This sacred calling is not merely the result of a long year of preparation but a profound encounter with God’s grace, which has guided us to this moment,” he said.

They expressed deep gratitude to Archbishop Kwofie for conferring upon them the grace of the priesthood and for his pastoral guidance throughout the formation process.
“Your Grace, your presence and guidance has greatly contributed to the success of this day,” Fr. Owusu noted, extending similar appreciation to Auxiliary Bishops, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis and Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare for their “ministry of presence and prayerful support.”

The new priests also acknowledged the significant role played by vocation directors whose support and guidance they said, were instrumental in their discernment journey.

The newly ordained pledged to serve the Church with dedication and humility.
“We reaffirm our commitment to serve the Church and her people wholeheartedly. Let us therefore support one another in faith and service, striving together to live out the Gospel in our daily lives,” Fr. Owusu concluded.