Vatican elevates Donkorkrom Vicariate to diocese, appoints Vicar John Asiedu as first bishop

The Vatican has announced the elevation of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom in Ghana to a full diocese.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Holy See said, “The Holy Father has elevated the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom (Ghana) to a Diocese, with the same name and territorial configuration, making it a Suffragan of the Metropolitan See of Accra.”

The decision brings the eastern Ghana territory into a new phase of ecclesiastical administration, placing it under the wider pastoral structure of the Archdiocese of Accra.

Alongside the elevation, Pope Francis has appointed its first bishop. The statement said, “The Holy Father has appointed as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Donkorkrom (Ghana) His Excellency Mgr. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, until now Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom.”

Bishop Asiedu has overseen the vicariate in recent years and is expected to guide the new diocese through its transition and expansion.

According to figures released by the Vatican, the Diocese of Donkorkrom spans 5,040 square kilometres and serves a population of 228,754 people, including 37,462 Catholics. The diocese comprises nine parishes, 14 educational institutions, and three charitable organisations.

Clergy numbers include 14 diocesan priests, eight religious priests, and 22 religious sisters, supported by two seminarians.

The elevation reflects continued growth in the Catholic presence in Ghana and signals renewed focus on pastoral care and institutional development in the Donkorkrom area.