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Catholic Diocese of Jasikan Demands Justice for Assaulted Priests, Calls on IGP for Immediate Action
The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan has issued a forceful open letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, demanding swift justice in the case of three Catholic priests allegedly assaulted in Nkwanta, Oti Region, on December 11, 2024.
The incident involved three Indian priests—Fr. Robinson Melkis, Fr. Martin George, and Fr. Henry Jacob—who are members of the Franciscan Capuchin Order and serve at St. Michael Parish in Kpassa.
The priests were attacked while travelling to Chaiso to prepare land for the construction of a formation house.
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The assault occurred at a fuel station, leaving Fr. Jacob severely injured, resulting in the loss of hearing in his left ear.
He was treated at the Police Hospital in Accra before being referred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where his broken eardrum was diagnosed. Fr. Jacob has since returned to India for further medical treatment.
In their letter, signed by Bishop Gabriel A. A. Mante, the diocese expressed appreciation for the IGP’s initial intervention, which ensured medical care for Fr. Jacob. However, they voiced deep frustration over the lack of arrests, despite clear video evidence of the assault.
“We are appalled that to date, despite the clear video evidence, the executors of the assault are still walking free with no arrests made,” the letter reads.
The diocese raised several concerns about the handling of the case by the Ghana Police Service, questioning the investigative capabilities, the possible bias due to the victims’ nationality, and the delay in action.
The letter further criticised the police’s inaction, stating, “Has the police service, under the leadership of the IGP, abandoned the pursuit of justice for these priests?”
The letter invoked moral and biblical imperatives, citing Genesis 4:10, “Our brothers’ blood is crying to God from the ground,” urging the IGP to take immediate action and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
The diocese also highlighted potential diplomatic repercussions, warning that unresolved justice could strain relations between Ghana and India.
“We stand to be corrected if the Ghana Police Service… is not aware of the disgraceful and possible sour relationships that could develop between India and Ghana governments,” it stated.
Beyond this case, the diocese raised concerns about growing post-election violence in Ghana, urging the government to take stronger measures to prevent such attacks.
“This canker seems to be unfortunately becoming a disgraceful unwritten law in Ghana,” the letter warned.
The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan concluded by offering prayers for the victims, their families, and the Catholic community in Ghana, and called on the Ghana Police Service to uphold its reputation for effective law enforcement by ensuring justice in this case.
