Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah has been formally installed as the second Bishop of the Jasikan Catholic Diocese in Ghana, with a strong call for his ministry to be rooted in universal love, mercy, and dedicated service to the people of God.
The Episcopal Ordination ceremony was held at the grounds of St. Peter Claver Cathedral, Jasikan, bringing together bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful to witness the solemn beginning of his pastoral leadership.
In his homily, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, urged the new bishop to anchor his ministry in Christ-like love that embraces everyone without exception.
He reminded him of Christ’s charge to Peter, saying the Lord requires him “to love untiringly,” and added: “Love not only those who love you; but also express love to your enemies; to those who hate you and persecute you. And also those who write unkind letters about you,”
Bishop Gyamfi emphasized that the bishop’s pastoral care must extend to all members of the diocese, urging him to foster unity and affection across the Church community.
“My brother, Bishop Simon, let your kindness and love be extended to all the priests, religious and the entire lay faithful at large in the Jasikan Diocese.”
He further reminded the new bishop that his mission is to lead people to Christ, not to himself, noting that the faithful will look to him for spiritual direction and meaning.
“Pray that through your ministry as a Bishop, you will always point the way not to yourself but to Jesus Christ. This is because the people of God will look up to you for answers, for meaning in their lives, for peace in their lives and ultimately they look up to find Jesus in you.”
Highlighting the demands of episcopal leadership, Bishop Gyamfi encouraged patience, understanding, and mercy in dealing with human weakness.
“As a Bishop, your own weakness makes you one with the people whom you serve. Therefore never tire of being merciful.”
He added: “For by virtue of your ordination as a Bishop you have the capacity of forgiveness that the Lord had, who did not condemn but forgave. So live the mercy of God and put your trust in the Divine Mercy whose feast we celebrate tomorrow,”
Turning to the faithful of Jasikan, he called for unity, love, and active support for their new shepherd.
“My dear faithful of Jasikan diocese, love your Bishop because he has been ordained to love you. Be there to support your Bishop at all times especially in difficult times. Maintain your love for one another, be hospitable to one another, use whatever gift one of you have received to serve one another,”
He also encouraged the community to remain loyal and prayerful for their bishop.
“In Jasikan Diocese, whoever serves should do so with the strength that God provides. Know that your Bishop appreciates very much your loyalty and devotion. So constantly pray for your Bishop.”
Bishop Gyamfi further urged Bishop Appiah to preach the Gospel with courage and to draw inspiration from the example of St. Peter, trusting in God’s support throughout his mission.
He said: “The Lord knew Peter was a rock, a man of strength and enthusiasm and that is what He wanted His first Pope and Bishop of Rome. That is what Christ also wants in the Bishop of Jasikan. Bishop Simon, the Lord has chosen you as a Bishop for Himself and He would provide you with all you will need,”
Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah was appointed Bishop of Jasikan by Pope Leo XIV in December 2025. He succeeds in shepherding a diocese with about 58,100 Catholics across 19 parishes served by 43 priests, according to 2024 Vatican statistics.
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