Catholic Bishop suspends priest indefinitely

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, Most Rev. John Opoku-Agyemang, has indefinitely suspended Rev. Fr. Samuel Adapore, former Rector of St. Anthony of Padua Rectorate at Nkwantakese, from exercising his priestly ministry.

The suspension, known in canon law as suspension a divinis, took effect on Monday, August 24, 2026 according to a statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, which has been sighted by The Chronicle.

Under the sanction, Rev. Fr. Adapore is prohibited from publicly administering the sacraments, including celebrating or concelebrating Mass, as well as officiating at other liturgical services.

Most Rev. Opoku-Agyemang said the decision was taken in consultation with the College of Consultors, citing what he described as “serious acts” on the part of Rev. Fr. Adapore.

According to the statement, Rev. Fr. Adapore took a unilateral decision to take a leave of absence from the Diocese and abandoned his pastoral ministry at the St. Anthony of Padua Rectorate, Nkwantakese, without legitimate permission.

The Diocese said the action was in contravention of Canon 533 of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law.

The statement further said the priest removed all his personal effects from the mission house at Nkwantakese without recourse to anyone.

It added that efforts to establish contact with him had proved unsuccessful, saying he had blocked all access to him.

“His immediate family members have maintained that none of them knows his whereabouts,” the statement said.

The Bishop appealed to the clergy, consecrated men and women, and the faithful of the Diocese to remember Rev. Fr. Adapore in their prayers.

In a follow-up, The Chronicle contacted the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, Most Rev. John Opoku-Agyemang, who confirmed that the statement announcing the suspension was genuine.

The Bishop, however, declined to comment further, explaining that he was in a meeting and could not speak at length on the matter.

The suspension remains in force indefinitely, pending any further decision by the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong or the relevant ecclesiastical authorities.

 

 

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