Monsignor Simon Kofi Appiah, the Bishop-elect for the Jasikan Catholic Diocese, has been ordained as the new Bishop of the diocese at a solemn ceremony held on Saturday at Jasikan in the Oti Region.
The ordination, which drew a large gathering of clergy, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and lay faithful, marked a significant milestone in the life of the Diocese as Bishop Appiah becomes its second bishop.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev Julien Kabore, who served as the Principal Consecrator, delivered a goodwill message, congratulating Bishop Appiah on his elevation to the episcopacy.
He noted that the ordination was a reaffirmation of God’s enduring care for His people, referencing the words of the Prophet Jeremiah: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15).”
Most Rev Kaboré emphasised that Christ, the Good Shepherd, remains the model of pastoral ministry, and called on the new bishop to embody a leadership style grounded in compassion, unity and service.
“In Christ, the Good Shepherd, the measure of all pastoral ministry is revealed – an attentive love that strengthens the weak, heals the wounded, seeks the lost, and gathers all into unity,” he said.
He urged Bishop Appiah to remain closely configured to Christ through the fullness of the priesthood and to foster peace, communion, and deeper unity among the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese.
Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, also extended his congratulations.
He reminded the new bishop of the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him.
Most Rev Gyamfi explained that the episcopal office carries the threefold mission of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the people of God, and that the role demands not only sound administrative skills but also a heart deeply conformed to Christ.
“We are keenly aware that the pastoral governance of a local Church carries with it manifold challenges – pastoral, social, and ecclesial,” he said, expressing confidence that Bishop Appiah would rise to the occasion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Most Rev Gyamfi, also the Bishop of Sunyani, further called on the clergy, consecrated persons, and lay faithful to offer their full support and cooperation to the new Bishop to enable him to succeed in his mission.
Most Rev Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, the Retired Bishop of the Diocese, also congratulated Bishop Appiah, and encouraged him to build upon the foundations already laid.
He noted that the diocese, now 31 years old, had made steady progress and urged the new Bishop to shepherd the flock with humility, wisdom, and dedication.
The ordination ceremony was attended by Catholic Bishops from across Ghana and beyond, including representatives from Togo and the Central African Republic, as well as traditional rulers, including chiefs and queen mothers, highlighting the broad support and significance of the occasion.
The Jasikan Catholic Diocese, since its establishment, has continued to play a vital role in the spiritual growth and social development in the Oti Region, with high expectations that Bishop Appiah’s leadership will further advance its mission.
On December 23, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Monsignor Simon Kofi Appiah as the second Bishop of the Diocese, succeeding Bishop Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, the first Bishop of Jasikan.
Reverend Msgr Appiah hails from Teteman, a farming community in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region of Ghana.
His appointment has been widely noted for his extensive academic credentials and rich pastoral experience.
The Catholic Diocese of Jasikan in Ghana was erected on December 19, 1994, by Pope John Paul II.
It was created by carving it out of the then Diocese of Keta-Ho.
The Diocese is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Accra, with its seat located in Jasikan in the Oti Region.
GNA
