KOFORIDUA DIOCESAN PRIESTS REFLECT ON LITURGICAL DISCIPLINE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PASTORAL MINISTRY

INTRODUCTION 
The Koforidua Diocesan Priests’ Association held its ongoing formation programme from Monday, 2nd to Wednesday, 4th February 2026, bringing together priests of the Diocese for theological reflection, pastoral renewal, and fraternal encounter. The formation was centred on the timely theme: “Liturgical Discipline and the Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pastoral Ministry.
The resource person for the programme was Rev. Fr. Dr. Bernard Bosiako of the Konongo-Mampong Diocese, who holds a Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy. Over four structured sessions, he guided participants through a rich and balanced exploration of two realities shaping priestly ministry today: fidelity to the Sacred Liturgy and responsible engagement with emerging technologies.

Overview

In a bid to foster greater camaraderie among Ghana’s diocesan priests, the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NUGDPA) announced at its 2023 congress in Koforidua that provincial congresses would be held biennially, while national congresses would take place every four years. In line with this directive, the Accra Province, comprising the Archdiocese of Accra and the Dioceses of Ho, Jasikan, Keta-Akatsi, and Koforidua, as well as the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, recently convened its provincial congress. Held on October 6, 2025, at Sancta Barbara Catholic Church in Akosombo, the gathering centered on the theme “Welfare of the Diocesan Priest in the Jubilee Year of Hope: Prospects and Challenges,” bringing together priests from across the province to discuss pertinent issues affecting their welfare and ministry.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua (CDK) witnessed a joyful moment at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Adoagyiri, where three deacons – Revs. Francis Twum Mensah-Duku, Ebenezer Osei Wiredu, and Shadrack Kwadwo Danso were ordained to the Catholic Priesthood.

The ordination Mass, beginning at 9:30 a.m., was presided over by Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, with many priests concelebrating. Families, friends, parishioners, and guests filled the church to share in the celebration of faith and mission.

The Catholic Diocese of Koforidua held its 2025 mini synod on March 24-27, 2025 on the theme Revival of the Basic Christian Communities (BCC) and Home Visitation of Pastoral Agents (Priests) in our Parishes: Concept, Structure and Analysis. The Synod, convoked by Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Quainoo Aggrey, the Diocesan Pastoral Director was attended by Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, the bishop of the diocese, Rev. Msgr. Francis Twum Barimah, the Vicar General, the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Parish Priests and Priests in-charge of the various parishes and quasi parishes in the diocese, some leaders of departments, offices and societies in the diocese and delegates from all parishes and quasi parishes in the diocese.
In the welcome address, Rev. Msgr. Francis Twum-Barimah expressed that, the focus of the synod is to explore more ways of bringing the church closer to the people thus the choice of the theme.

The Koforidua Diocesan Health Service (DHS) has a New Director effective 1^st April 2025 in the person of Rev. Fr. Ebenezer Kenneth Abban, PhD

CONGRATULATIONS Sir!!!

SHORT PROFILE OF THE AG. DIRECTOR OF DHS
Rev. Fr. Abban is a healthcare person with a considerable number years of experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to his entry into the healthcare business, he had worked for several years and is skilled in the management of a not-for-profit government/private organizations and versatile in strategic thinking, planning and controlling. He is a public speaker and holds unto attention to details, empathy and innovation as trademark. He loves to read any readable material.

He studied philosophy, theology and spirituality for his initial parchment before proceeding to the United States of America for higher education in Healthcare Management; a program he successfully completed and graduated with a Master of Business Administration
focused in Healthcare Management from St. Joseph’s University, New York. Also, he holds a PhD in Hospital Administration.

Fr. Abban is an author and a writer; he has six publications to his credit in a peer-reviewed international journal of the Texila American University. Some of his works are,

Assessment of the impact of Delayed Reimbursement by the National Health Insurance Scheme on the Supply Chain Management of St. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia, Ghana;

Impact of Length of Stay on both Financial Health and Medical Outcomes of Mission Hospitals in Rural Ghana;

Covid-19 Gateway for ICT Integration; The case of St. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia;

Financial Health Affects Medical Outcomes; the Case of Some Mission Hospitals in Ghana.

In a profound and uplifting ceremony in Rome, the Holy Father has declared the year 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a remarkable event that occurs once every 25 years. This Jubilee Year carries the meaningful theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” symbolizing a collective pilgrimage towards healing and renewal amid a world burdened by the ravages of war, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical climate crisis that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable communities.

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as a powerful and symbolic gesture to herald this occasion. This sacred act serves as a significant portal for pilgrims, guiding them towards forgiveness and a fresh start, and marks the official beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025 with deep spiritual resonance (Vatican News). 

Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, recently commemorated his 70^th birthday on 22^nd December 2024 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Akyem Swedru, with an event characterized by joy and purposeful intent. This occasion was utilised as a platform to generate funds for the establishment of a retirement home designated for future bishops within the Diocese.

The Catholic Diocese of Koforidua is delighted to announce that the Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, our Bishop, will celebrate his 70^th birthday – a wonderful milestone!
On 22^nd December 2024, the Planning Committee and the entire Koforidua Diocese invite you to join us in honouring this special occasion at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Akim Swedru. 

In recognition of the Bishop's remarkable service and as part of the celebrations, the Diocese is initiating a fundraising effort to create a retirement home for him. The contributions gathered during this event will help provide the foundational support for this meaningful project.

As it is customary for a Catholic bishop to retire at the age of 75, we believe it is essential to thoughtfully consider the arrangements for the Bishop’s future residence.
We sincerely appreciate your presence at this event, as well as any donations you are able to provide toward this significant initiative.

Thank you for your support!
For any further enquiries, please feel free to reach out to Rev. Fr. Ebenezer K. Abban, PhD, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, at +233 24 664 7025.
Kindly watch this video on our Facebook Page for more information. 

The first of the biannual general meeting of the Koforidua Diocesan Priests' Association (KODPA) took effect from 12th–13th June 2024 at the Diocesan Pastoral and Training Centre (DPTC), Koforidua.
The august meeting saw the attendance of about seventy priests, including the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum.

Among the agenda of this convocation included discussions on Mental Health Seminar, 2025 Provincial Congress, Common Liturgical Aberration, and a Stewardship Report (by the 2021-2024 Executives) and Election of New Executives.

On Sunday 26th December, 2021, the St. George Catholic Cathedral Parish rejoiced over the induction of a new Cathedral administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Afum Attah Asumadu, into office by Rev. Msgr. Francis Twum-Barimah, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua.

It was all joy and gratitude to God when the colorful event took place during a Eucharistic celebration to mark the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was presided over by Rev. Msgr. Francis Twum Barimah and concelebrated by six other priests from the Diocese. In attendance were some Religious Sisters, family members, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), parishioners and friends of the new Administrator who came from other sister parishes.