BY: Daniel Orlando | VoltaOnline
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, Most Rev. Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, has written an open letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), expressing concern over the delayed arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the brutal assault of three Indian Catholic priests at Nkwanta in the Oti Region.
Frs. Robinson Melkis, Martin George, and Henry Jacob of the Franciscan Capuchin Order were on December 11, 2024 assaulted at a fuel station, while fueling a bulldozer they had hired from the Municipal Assembly, after being mistakenly accused of stealing the equipment. Fr. Henry Jacob suffered a broken left eardrum in the attack and has since returned to India for further medical treatment.
Bishop Mante, in whose jurisdiction, the missionaries were working, expressed frustration over the lack of arrests despite clear video evidence of the incidence. While, acknowledging the IGP’s prompt intervention in facilitating Fr. Jacob’s medical treatment at Police Hospital, the Bishop questioned the efficiency of the Ghana Police Service and raised concerns that justice might be hindered because the victims are foreign nationals.
The bishop also described the attack as a violation of the priests’ rights and a threat to peaceful coexistence, as he warned of potential diplomatic repercussions between Ghana and India if the case remains unresolved, emphasizing the need for justice to prevent further damage to Ghana’s international reputation.
Bishop Mante further expressed concern over post-election violence in Ghana, urging authorities to establish effective mechanisms to curb such incidents.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
