BY GRACE ZIGAH
The Catholic Diocese of Mampong has indefinitely suspended Rev. Fr. Samuel Adapore from exercising key public functions of the priesthood, following allegations that he left his pastoral assignment without authorisation and subsequently became unreachable to diocesan authorities.
The disciplinary action, which took effect on Monday, August 24, 2026, was communicated in a letter signed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, Most Rev. John Opoku-Agyemang. The decision, according to the bishop, was taken after consultation with the College of Consultors and followed what the diocese described as “serious acts” allegedly committed by the priest.
Rev. Fr. Adapore, who served as Rector of the St. Anthony of Padua Rectorate at Nkwantakese, is accused by the diocese of taking a leave of absence on his own initiative and abandoning his pastoral responsibilities without obtaining the legitimate permission required by Church authorities.
The diocese said such conduct was contrary to Canon 533 (1) of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law, which governs the obligations of priests serving in pastoral assignments.
The circumstances surrounding his departure appear to have become a major concern for the diocese because, according to the bishop’s statement, Rev. Fr. Adapore allegedly removed his personal belongings from the mission house at Nkwantakese without notifying or seeking permission from the appropriate ecclesiastical authorities. The removal of his belongings, combined with his departure from the pastoral assignment, reportedly prompted concerns about his status and whereabouts.
The diocese has further stated that it currently does not know where the priest is. In an unusually pointed explanation, the bishop said Rev. Fr. Adapore had blocked access to him, while members of his immediate family had also indicated that they did not know his whereabouts.
The statement therefore leaves unanswered questions about where the priest went, why he allegedly left his assignment without permission and what circumstances preceded his disappearance from contact with the diocese.
The disciplinary measure imposed on him is known as suspension a divinis, a canonical restriction that prevents a cleric from publicly exercising specified functions of the priesthood. Under the suspension announced by the diocese, Rev. Fr. Adapore is prohibited from publicly administering the sacraments, celebrating or concelebrating Mass, and officiating at other liturgical services.
The suspension is indefinite, meaning the statement did not provide a specific date on which the restrictions would automatically end. The diocese’s announcement instead indicates that the measure will remain in force until further action is taken by the competent Church authorities.
The announcement, however, does not provide further details about any possible canonical process that may follow or whether the priest has been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
