The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan has issued a strongly worded open letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, calling for immediate action and justice in the case of three Catholic priests alleged to have been assaulted at Nkwanta, Oti Region, earlier this month.

The incident, said to have occurred on December 11, 2024, involved three Indian Catholic priests—Frs. Robinson Melkis, Martin George, and Henry Jacob of the Franciscan Capuchin Order.

The priests, stationed at St. Michael Parish in Kpassa, were on their way to Chaiso to prepare a piece of land for the construction of a Formation House when they were brutally attacked at a fuel station.

In the letter signed by Bishop Gabriel A. A. Mante, the Diocese expressed its gratitude for the IGP’s initial intervention, which ensured medical attention for one of the victims, Fr. Henry Jacob who lost hearing in his left ear as a result of the assault.

Fr. Jacob was treated at the Police Hospital in Accra and later referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where the broken left eardrum was diagnosed. He has since returned to India for further medical care.

Despite the initial response, the Diocese voiced 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 states.

The Diocese raised several pointed questions about the Ghana Police Service’s handling of the case:

1. Investigative Capabilities: Why has the Police Service, known for its efficiency in solving complex crimes, not acted on this straightforward case?
2. Bias Concerns: Does the nationality of the victims—Indian rather than Ghanaian—account for the lack of progress in the case?
3. Delayed Action: Has the Police Service, under the leadership of the IGP, abandoned the pursuit of justice for these priests?

The letter invoked biblical and moral imperatives, urging the IGP to act swiftly. "Our brothers' blood is crying to God from the ground" (Genesis 4:10), it reads, underscoring the demand for immediate arrests and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The Diocese also warned of possible diplomatic consequences, citing the risk of strained relations between Ghana and India if the matter remains unresolved.

"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," the letter states.

Post-election violence

Beyond this specific incident, the Diocese criticised a broader pattern of post-election violence in Ghana, urging governments to establish mechanisms to curb such attacks.

"This canker seems to be unfortunately becoming a disgraceful unwritten law in Ghana," the letter cautioned.

The Diocese offered prayers for the victims, their families, and the entire Catholic community in Ghana, expressing hope for a just resolution.

The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan called on the Ghana Police Service to uphold its reputation for effective law enforcement and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime face the law.