By Emmanuel Bamfo 
The Catholic Diocese of Mampong in Ghana has taken formal legal action against one of its clergymen. The Bishop, Most Reverend John Opoku-Agyemang, officially issued an indefinite suspension against Rev. Fr. Samuel Adapore. This decision prohibits the priest from celebrating Mass, officiating sacraments, or participating in public liturgical services across the region.
The disciplinary action follows severe allegations of pastoral abandonment and taking an unauthorized leave of absence. Church leaders confirmed that the rector packed his personal belongings, cleared out of the St. Anthony of Padua Rectorate at Nkwantakese, and left without notifying church authorities.
According to official diocesan statements, Fr. Adapore broke Canon 533 (1) of the Roman Catholic Code of Canon Law. This specific statute mandates that parish priests and rectors maintain continuous residency within their assigned communities to serve parishioners.
Diocesan administrators revealed that all attempts to contact the clergyman proved unsuccessful. Church leadership reached out to immediate family members, who confirmed that they also do not know his current location. The priest reportedly severed communication channels, leaving his parish congregation without direct leadership.
In Catholic canon law, this measure represents a penalty known as suspension a divinis. It strips a ordained minister of the right to exercise public spiritual authority. However, canon law maintains that the priestly character remains permanent, meaning the penalty aims to encourage reflection and eventual reconciliation.
The Diocese of Mampong urged the Catholic faithful, religious orders, and local community members to keep the suspended priest in their prayers while administrative protocols proceed.
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