The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that three foreign Catholic priests were assaulted on December 11, 2024, near Nkwanta in the Oti Region while allegedly transporting equipment from the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
The priests were traveling with officials from the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, including the Municipal Engineer, to inspect a cleared plot of land worked on using DRIP machinery.
During their journey to Chieso, they were confronted by youth who accused them of theft, resulting in a confrontation in which one of the priests was physically assaulted. The injured priest was treated at a hospital and later discharged.
The police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and emphasized that the priests have been treated as victims throughout the investigation. The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has personally assured the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, of a thorough investigation. The IGP also pledged full support to the priests and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident has drawn attention to the DRIP initiative, launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo on July 31, 2024, which aims to improve road conditions nationwide. National Security has highlighted the initiative’s importance in addressing road-related security challenges.
The police have promised to maintain peace and order while the investigation continues.
Youth of Nkwanta South grap unidentified foreigners transporting the DRIP Equipment for Nkwanta North and South Assemblies out of town. pic.twitter.com/lAISwjd1d7
— 🇬🇭god Amongst Men (@officiallordy) December 11, 2024
