The Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong has disclosed that Rev. Fr. Samuel Adapore, who was suspended indefinitely on August 24, 2026, has been located at the Police Training Centre in Koforidua in the Eastern Region.
According to the Diocese, Fr. Adapore independently decided to enrol in a programme to join the Ghana Police Service and reported to the training centre as a private individual.
The revelation follows criticism on social media over the Diocese’s handling of the priest’s absence and subsequent suspension.
Fr. Adapore was suspended from sacred functions on August 24 and barred from publicly celebrating or concelebrating Mass, administering the sacraments and performing other liturgical services.
The Diocese had earlier stated that the priest left his pastoral assignment at St. Anthony of Padua Rectorate at Nkwantakese without legitimate permission.
In its latest statement, the Diocese maintained that concern for the priest’s welfare and disciplinary action could exist simultaneously.
“The Church can ask whether a priest is safe while also determining whether he has abandoned his assignment without authorisation, and can seek his whereabouts while regulating his ministry.”
The Diocese also rejected suggestions that the suspension meant it had abandoned Fr. Adapore.
It explained that suspension from sacred functions does not strip him of his status as a priest but temporarily restricts the exercise of certain priestly functions because of the circumstances surrounding his conduct.
The Diocese further defended the disciplinary process, saying canonical discipline can have a restorative purpose by protecting ecclesial order, addressing scandal and encouraging reform.
It also urged the public to respect the priest’s privacy, explaining that not every step taken to establish his welfare could be publicly disclosed because of confidentiality and personal dignity.
The Diocese said the situation should therefore not be viewed simply as a dispute between the Bishop and Fr. Adapore, but as a matter requiring a balance between the priest’s welfare and dignity, the needs of the faithful and the discipline of the Catholic Church.
