ST. PAUL QUASI-PARISH, MPRAESO-KWAHU
St. Paul Catholic Quasi-Parish, Mpraeso-Kwahu, is a vibrant Catholic community within the Nkawkaw Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua. Rooted in faith and committed to the mission of the Church, the quasi-parish continues to grow spiritually while serving the pastoral needs of Catholics in Mpraeso and surrounding communities.
Guided by the Gospel and the rich tradition of the Catholic Church, the quasi-parish strives to foster faith formation, sacramental life, and Christian service among its members.
About Mpraeso
Mpraeso is the capital of the Kwahu South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The town is located approximately 367 meters above sea level on the Kwahu Plateau, forming part of the southwestern boundary of Lake Volta.
Historically, Mpraeso is regarded as the administrative and cultural centre of Kwahu. It served as the first district capital before the creation of other districts such as Kwahu West, Kwahu East, and Afram Plains.
Today, the Kwahu South Municipality covers an estimated 1,462 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 80,358 people, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
Traditional Leadership
The Royal Anokora Asona family, a section of the Akan Asona clan, traditionally governs the town of Mpraeso.
The current traditional rulers are:
- Nana Ampadu Daduam II – Paramount Chief
- Nana Abena Nkyirinsa – Queen Mother
Their leadership continues to contribute to the community's cultural identity and social development.
History of St. Paul Catholic Church
The Catholic faith took root in Mpraeso in the early 1940s through the dedication of Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Addae, popularly known as Kwesi Roman. Together with a small group of believers, he began gathering for prayer and worship in a one-storey building near the Mpraeso Post Office.
Several individuals played important roles in establishing the Catholic community in the town. Among the early pioneers were: Mr. John Adu, Madam Cecilia Kwakyewaa, Mr. Ampadu, Mr. Amissah (Educationist), and Mr. George Ofori Atta (Educationist)
Their commitment and sacrifice laid the foundation for the growth of the Catholic Church in Mpraeso.
Growth and Development of the Church
The Catholic community continued to grow steadily over the decades. During the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, several dedicated members contributed significantly to the development of the Church. Notable among them were: Mr. Lawrence Okyere, Catechist Nicholas Boadi Mensah, and Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Duplex, a kente weaver who later served as Church President and assisted in catechetical ministry.
Another key figure is Mr. Richard Ntiamoah, who became a Catholic in 1976 and devoted himself to the service of the Church. He later served as Church President, and it was during his leadership that the Mission House Project began. Even today, he remains actively involved in the life of the Church.
Relocation and Construction of the Present Church
As the Catholic community expanded, the place of worship was relocated from its original site to another location where the African Faith Tabernacle Church currently stands. A temporary shed was constructed there to facilitate worship and other church activities.
The Church was eventually moved to its current location, where the present church building was constructed by Rev. Fr. Cletus Joseph Hodapp, SVD. The first Holy Mass in the new church building was celebrated in 1951, marking a significant milestone in the life of the Catholic community in Mpraeso.
Elevation to Quasi-Parish
In recognition of its steady growth and pastoral development, the Catholic community in Mpraeso was elevated to the status of a Quasi-Parish in 2021.
This important step was taken by Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua.
Parish Leadership
Priests who have served the Quasi-Parish are Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Omane (2021 – 2024) and Rev. Fr. George Yeboah (2024 – Present)
The current Priest-in-Charge is Rev. Fr. George Yeboah, who oversees the pastoral and administrative life of the Quasi-Parish.
Outstations of the Quasi-Parish
St. Paul Quasi-Parish serves several Catholic communities (stations) in the surrounding towns. Six (6) stations form the Quasi-Parish. These are the stations and the Mass time: St. Paul, Mpraeso (9:00 am); St. Margaret Mary, Bepong (6:00 am); St. Joseph, Obo (9:00 am); Immaculate Conception, Twenedurase (8:00 am); St. Anthony of Padua, Ntome (8:30 am); and Holy Trinity, Odotorko (10:00 am).
These outstations allow the Church to extend pastoral care and sacramental life to Catholics throughout the area.
Catholic Education
The mission of the Church in Mpraeso and its environs includes promoting Catholic education. Some stations within the Quasi-Parish are blessed with Catholic schools, particularly in Mpraeso, Obo, and Bepong
These institutions contribute to the academic, moral, and spiritual formation of young people.
Catechists and Pastoral Ministry
The Quasi-Parish is supported by eight voluntary catechists who assist in pastoral ministry. Their work includes:
- Teaching the Catholic faith
- Preparing the faithful for the sacraments
- Supporting the spiritual life of the outstations
The total Catholic population in the Quasi-Parish is estimated at 350 faithful, with youth making up the largest group.
Societies and Parish Ministries
The spiritual and social life of the parish is enriched by various societies and ministries, including: Christian Mothers’ Association, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society, Church Choir, Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Mass Servers, and Lectors
These groups play important roles in liturgy, evangelization, service, and community building.
Contact Information
Priest-in-Charge
Rev. Fr. George Yeboah
📞 Phone: +233 24 917 9796
📬 Postal Address
St. Paul Quasi-Parish
Post Office Box MZ 45
Mpraeso – Kwahu
📧 Email
Support the Mission of the Church
Parishioners and friends who wish to support the mission of St. Paul Catholic Quasi-Parish may use the following accounts:
MTN Mobile Money
+233 59 738 2708
GCB Bank – Mpraeso Branch
Account Number: 2191180001388
Account name: St. Paul Catholic Church Mpraeso
