The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan has strongly condemned the brutal attack on three priests of the Franciscan Capuchin Order in Nkwanta, Oti Region.

In a press statement issued by the Diocese, the Bishop, clergy, and lay faithful described the violence as “unjustifiable” and called for immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The attack occurred on December 11, 2024, in the Nkwanta South Municipality. The three priests, stationed at St. Michael Parish in Kpassa, Nkwanta North District, were reportedly on a mission that the diocese highlighted as being beneficial to the Nkwanta South Municipality and Ghana as a whole.

“The Catholic Church in the Diocese of Jasikan and Ghana, in general, takes a serious view of this unwarranted attack on the three innocent priests,” the press release stated. It further called on the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly foreign missionaries, noting that decisive action on such incidents would serve as a deterrent to future acts of violence.

The diocese appealed for calm among all parties involved, urging them to allow the law to take its course. It also warned against individuals taking the law into their own hands, stressing that such actions could lead to long-term negative relationships with international implications.

The statement lamented the post-election climate that the diocese believes has emboldened undisciplined youth to commit such violent acts.

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“This canker seems to be unfortunately becoming a disgraceful unwritten law in Ghana,” the release added, as it called on successive governments and political parties to implement mechanisms to address post-election violence.

The diocese expressed concern that no arrests had been made in connection with the attack, stating, “We demand that the perpetrators of this heinous attack be arrested with immediate effect so that justice is served and seen manifestly to be served.”

The release concluded with a message of solidarity for the victims, their families, and the Catholic community in Ghana, expressing prayers for healing, comfort, and peace for all those affected.