Bishop Gabriel Ababio Mante bows out as Chief Shepherd of Jasikan Diocese

After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Bishop Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante has resigned as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan. His resignation, accepted by the Holy Father, marks the conclusion of a remarkable episcopal ministry in the diocese he helped establish.

The resignation was announced by His Excellency Julien Kaboré, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, at the Cathedral of St. Peter Claver in Jasikan on December 23, 2025, who also announced the appointment of Msgr. Simon Kofi Appiah as his successor.

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Bishop Mante was born on 27 July 1947 in Nkonya Ahenkro, in what is now Ghana’s Oti Region. He was ordained a priest for the then Diocese of Keta-Ho on 2 July 1977. When Pope St. John Paul II erected the Diocese of Jasikan on 19 December 1994, Bishop Mante was appointed its first bishop and was consecrated and installed on 28 May 1995.

As the pioneer bishop, he shepherded a diverse diocese, nurturing unity and evangelization across rural communities and ethnic groups. His leadership emphasized pastoral formation, ordination of deacons, and the encouragement of vocations. Through his homilies and pastoral letters, he constantly encouraged Christian virtues, including sanctity, service to the underprivileged, and moral formation, guiding both clergy and laity in their ministries.

Beyond spiritual guidance, Bishop Mante actively engaged in social and environmental initiatives. He promoted tree planting and ecological stewardship, in line with Catholic teaching on creation care, and raised concerns about harmful mining activities in the Oti Region, advocating for the protection of local livelihoods and the environment.

He also played a significant role in peacebuilding, particularly in the Nkonya-Alavanyo areas, serving on governmental and civil committees to support reconciliation. His experience and moral authority were instrumental in fostering social harmony in communities affected by conflict.

In education, Bishop Mante encouraged the faith and moral formation of youth and laity, supporting agricultural and vocational programs that empowered young people. His pastoral guidance consistently linked spiritual life with societal development, inspiring personal and communal growth.

At the national level, he was an active member of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), participating in national pastoral priorities and representing the Conference at key events, including the media launch of Caritas Ghana. He also served in portfolios such as Migrants and Refugees, highlighting his commitment to social justice, charity, and the service of the poor.

Bishop Mante’s resignation closes a chapter of extraordinary pastoral service. Over three decades, he shaped the trajectory of the Jasikan Diocese and contributed significantly to the Church’s life across Ghana. The faithful, clergy, and religious communities have expressed profound gratitude for his leadership and prayers as he transitions from active episcopal ministry.