Police begin probe into assault on priests in Oti Region
The Ghana Police Service has commenced an investigation into an alleged assault on three missionary Catholic priests near Nkwanta in the Oti Region. The incident reportedly took place on December 11, 2024.
According to a Police statement dated December 12, the priests were traveling with officials from the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, including the Municipal Engineer, to Chieso to inspect a plot of land.
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They were using machinery from the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) for land clearing when they were confronted by local youth. The confrontation arose from accusations that the priests were stealing the equipment, leading to a physical assault where one of the priests sustained injuries. The injured priest received treatment at a hospital and was subsequently discharged.
The Police have clarified that the priests were treated as victims throughout the investigation and were not detained at any point.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has personally engaged with the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, to assure him of a comprehensive investigation and to pledge full support to the affected priests.
Efforts are currently underway by the police to apprehend those responsible for the assault to ensure they face legal consequences.