The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan in the Oti Region, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to take immediate action and seek justice for some three Catholic priests alleged to have been assaulted at Nkwanta earlier this month.
The incident, said to have occurred Wednesday, 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 an open letter issued to the IGP and signed by Bishop Gabriel Mante Monday, December 30, 2024, the Diocese expressed gratitude to the IGP for initially intervening and ensuring medical attention was given to 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.
Meanwhile, the Diocese has expressed concerns over the lack of arrest since the incident, despite video evidence of the assault.
Portions of the open letter said “we are appalled that to date, despite the clear video evidence, the executors of the assault are still walking free with no arrests made.”
Several questions were also raised in the letter by the Diocese over the manner the police service is handling the matter.
Investigative Capabilities: Why has the Police Service, known for its efficiency in solving complex crimes, not acted on this straightforward case?
Bias Concerns: Does the nationality of the victims—Indian rather than Ghanaian—account for the lack of progress in the case?
Delayed Action: Has the Police Service, under the leadership of the IGP, abandoned the pursuit of justice for these priests?
Aside from invoking some biblical and moral imperatives of the situation, the Diocese’s open letter also warned of possible diplomatic consequences, highlighting a possible strain in the relations between Ghana and India should the matter not be addressed as expected.
“Our brothers’ blood is crying to God from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). “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 added.
The church further criticised the numerous post-election violent incidents, admonishing the government to put in measures in place to ensure such attacks are abated.
“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.
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