‘Do not stop being active’: Bishop Appiah charges Kpasa youth

Newly ordained Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah, has challenged young Catholics at St. Michael Parish, Kpasa, to remain active in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and embrace values that will shape them into responsible Christians and citizens.

Bishop Appiah made the call during a pastoral visit to the parish from August 22 to 23, 2026, as part of his initial tour of parishes across the Diocese.

The highlight of the visit was the Solemn Mass on Sunday, August 23, during which the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 49 candidates.

Commending the enthusiasm and active participation of the young people in the parish, Bishop Appiah described their involvement as a sign of a vibrant and thriving youth apostolate.

He urged them not to withdraw from the CYO, stressing that youth ministry provides an important foundation for developing strong Catholic values.

“Do not stop to be active as young people in the CYO,” the Bishop charged.

He explained that through youth ministry, young people learn values such as truthfulness, orderliness, hard work and gentleness, while also being equipped to resist evil and uphold fairness and justice.

“ Youth ministry is where you learn Catholic values. You will learn truthfulness, orderliness, hard work, and gentleness. You will learn how to resist evil and live a life of fairness and justice,” he said.

As part of his efforts to encourage the youth, Bishop Appiah announced a special development package for the CYO. He also revealed that one parishioner would receive a sponsored slot, from the three diocesan slots available for the upcoming West African World Youth Day celebration in Accra.

The celebration brought together clergy, religious, traditional leaders and other stakeholders, including Franciscan Capuchin Friars led by Fr. Robbinson Melkis, OFM Cap., who serve the parish with his fellow friars.

Also present were Rev. Fr. Marcus Donkor, Bishop Appiah’s Secretary and priest in charge of liturgy; visiting Handmaids of the Immaculate Sisters from the Archdiocese of Capua; Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart from Togo; Hon. Michael Gyamena, District Coordinating Director of the Nkwanta North District Assembly; and chiefs and elders from Kpasa and surrounding communities.

St. Michael Parish, Kpasa, is located in the Oti Region and forms part of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan. Managed by the Franciscan Capuchin Fathers, the parish serves a vast rural territory with about 34 village outstations.

Bishop Appiah’s visit forms part of his ongoing pastoral engagement with communities across the Diocese as he begins his ministry as Bishop of Jasikan.