It was a day of colour, celebration and Catholic pride as the Jasikan Diocese erupted in joy for the installation of its new Bishop, Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah.
In a grand ceremony attended by Clergy, traditional rulers, government representatives and throngs of faithful, Bishop Appiah was officially ordained and installed as the second Bishop of Jasikan, ushering in a new chapter for the growing Diocese.
He takes over from Most Rev. Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, the founding Bishop who led the Diocese for an impressive 31 years since its creation in 1994.
The atmosphere was electric. Hymns, drumming and dancing filled the air as Catholics from across Ghana and beyond gathered to witness what many described as a “once-in-a-generation” moment.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Holy Father, urging the new Bishop to lead with courage, compassion and deep faith. His message was a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership and faith in the Catholic Church.
In his homily for the day, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, stressed that the episcopal office demands not just administration, but holiness, courage and a heart aligned with Christ. He emphasised the need for the new Bishop to deepen faith, strengthen unity and confront the social and moral challenges of the times.
In a strong show of national support, President John Dramani Mahama, through his envoy, praised the Catholic Church’s role in education, healthcare and moral formation, describing the new Bishop’s appointment as both spiritual and socially significant.
Before his appoitment, Bishop Appiah was an Associate Professor at the University of Cape Coast, bringing with him a rich blend of academic depth and pastoral experience.
Church leaders did not mince words about the task ahead. The Jasikan Diocese — covering key areas across the Oti Region and beyond — now looks to its new shepherd to lead with vision and purpose.
For many in Jasikan, one thing is clear: a new era has begun, and expectations are sky high.
