The Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong has announced the discovery of Rev. Fr. Samuel Adapore at the Police Training Centre in Koforidua, Ghana’s Eastern Region, following his indefinite suspension, a move that has ignited considerable scrutiny within the diocese and broader Catholic circles. The Diocese revealed in a statement issued on August 27, 2026, that Fr. Adapore was found at the facility, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into his whereabouts and welfare.
The statement details that the Diocese, in response to public criticism and concerns regarding the priest’s indefinite suspension, has disclosed the discovery. It adds that Fr. Adapore had voluntarily decided to enlist as a private person within the training program, undertaking training to join the Ghana Police Service. The Diocese did not provide specific details regarding his arrival date or the basis for this decision.
Following this discovery, the Diocese’s clarification follows a period of heightened discussion and questioning surrounding the priest’s absence. The Diocese’s statement highlights a crucial aspect of canonical law – the requirement for a pastor to reside in their parish and maintain pastoral ministry – and underscores the importance of ensuring the priest’s well-being. The Diocese emphasizes that while acknowledging legitimate concerns, the concern for the priest’s welfare is not mutually exclusive with the need to uphold ecclesiastical discipline.
The Diocese’s stance directly addresses Canon 533 and Canon 1717, referencing the need for a pastor to reside in their parish and the right to defend himself. It cautions that a public announcement of a disciplinary decision should not be interpreted as a complete account of all pastoral, administrative, canonical, and personal steps taken in the case. The Diocese asserts that the precise basis and procedure for a disciplinary decree depend on the factual circumstances.
Specifically, the Diocese points to the requirement for the Bishop to carry responsibilities both to a priest and to the wider Catholic community. It argues that where a priest leaves his assignment without authorization and becomes unavailable, the Bishop retains a responsibility to ensure pastoral care continues.
Furthermore, the Diocese addresses the reference to Canon 1717, which concerns investigation into information relating to a possible offence. It clarifies that an investigation does not necessarily prevent church authorities from taking measures required to ensure the continued functioning of the Church. The Diocese highlights that the full canonical framework must be considered rather than isolating a single canon. The Diocese emphasizes that the precise basis and procedure for a disciplinary decree depend on the facts of a particular case.
The Diocese further stresses that questions about whether appropriate procedures were followed, whether attempts were made to communicate with the priest, and whether he was duly summoned, cannot be conclusively answered from a short public statement alone. The Diocese highlights the need for transparency and protects the priest’s dignity and privacy.
The Diocese has urged caution in public discussions of the matter, stating that legitimate questions can be asked about the priest’s welfare, the process followed, and the circumstances surrounding the suspension. However, it warns against concluding, without evidence, that the Diocese is primarily interested in punishment. The Diocese says concern for his welfare and concern about his canonical obligations can exist at the same time. The Diocese says: ‘We want to know where our priest is, we want him safe, we want him to return to dialogue, and we must still address the canonical consequences of his unexplained departure.’
The Diocese has appealed to the faithful to continue praying for Fr. Samuel Adapore and to remain vigilant in safeguarding the Church’s integrity.
The Diocese has framed the central issue as how to protect the priest’s dignity and welfare, safeguard the faithful, and uphold Church discipline at the same time.
The Diocese has stated that the proper conclusion is not ‘find the priest instead of disciplining him,’ but rather: find him, care for him, establish the facts, respect his canonical rights, and at the same time fulfil the Bishop’s duty to maintain the order and pastoral life of the Diocese.”
The Diocese says the appropriate response is not to choose between pastoral care and ecclesiastical discipline. It says the proper conclusion is therefore not ‘find the priest instead of disciplining him,’ but rather: find him, care for him, establish the facts, respect his canonical rights, and at the same time fulfil the Bishop’s duty to maintain the order and pastoral life of the Diocese.”
The Diocese says this approach represents pastoral charity alongside ecclesiastical responsibility. It has appealed to the faithful to continue praying for Fr. Samuel Adapore.
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Source: Adom Online
