Runaway Catholic priest found at Koforidua training Center preparing to join Ghana Police Service

The Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong has disclosed that Rev. Fr. Samuel Adapore, whose whereabouts had sparked questions following his suspension, has been found at the Police Training Centre in Koforidua.

According to the Diocese, the priest voluntarily enrolled at the training centre and is undergoing training to join the Ghana Police Service.

In a statement signed by its Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. John Kyere, the Diocese said Fr. Adapore “has been found at the Police Training Centre at Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana.”

It added that he “has decided on his own and singular volition to be enlisted as a private person into the programme of the Training Centre and to be trained to join the Ghana Police Service.”

The disclosure comes amid criticism on social media over the Diocese’s decision to suspend Fr. Adapore a divinis while questions remained about his whereabouts and welfare.

Some critics had questioned whether adequate efforts were made to locate the priest before the suspension and whether his rights under Canon Law had been respected.

Responding to those concerns, the Diocese said its disciplinary action should not be interpreted as evidence that it had abandoned its pastoral responsibility towards the priest.

“The Diocese does not object to questions about Fr. Adapore’s welfare, whereabouts, and safety indeed, it has every reason to share that concern,” the statement said.

It explained that the public statement announcing the suspension was intended to communicate the canonical decision and was not a complete account of all efforts made to establish the priest’s whereabouts.

“A statement announcing canonical discipline is not, and cannot be expected to be, a full account of every pastoral, administrative, canonical, and personal steps taken,” it said.

The Diocese further argued that concern for Fr. Adapore’s welfare and the need to address his absence from his pastoral assignment were not mutually exclusive.

It said the Bishop had responsibilities not only towards the priest but also towards parishioners who depend on the Church for pastoral services.

“If a pastor leaves his parish, removes his belongings, stops communicating, and does not return, the Bishop cannot simply set the matter aside indefinitely because his location is uncertain,” the statement said.

On concerns about Canon 1717, which provides for an investigation when information about a possible offence is received, the Diocese maintained that such an investigation does not prevent ecclesiastical authorities from taking steps to ensure the continued functioning of the Church.

It also said Fr. Adapore’s right to a defence must be respected, while noting that difficulties in contacting him could not indefinitely prevent the Diocese from exercising its responsibilities.

“The real questions are whether the required procedures were followed, whether proper attempts were made to communicate with the priest, whether he was duly summoned where necessary, and what kind of decree was actually issued,” the statement said.

The Diocese stressed that suspension a divinis does not mean the priest has been abandoned or ceased to be a priest.

It described the measure as a restriction on the exercise of certain priestly functions, adding that canonical discipline could also serve a restorative purpose.

With Fr. Adapore now located at the Police Training Centre, the Diocese said the appropriate approach should be to ensure his welfare while also respecting the Church’s rules and its responsibility to the faithful.

“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,” it said.

The Diocese further called the faithful to continue praying for Fr. Adapore.