Bechem Deanery

VERY REV. FR. ELISHA MANU

Name of Parish: St. Joseph
Location: Bechem
Name of Priest: Frs. Elisha Manu, - PP, Bernard Sarpong (Associate), (Rev. Fr. Stephen Danso – In Residence)

Outstations: Mansin, Breme, Bofoaka, Kwasu, Ohianimguase, Abesewa, Mansopa.
Contacts: Box 5

HISTORY OF ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, BECHEM

The St Joseph’s Catholic Church of Bechem is the oldest parish in the whole of Ahafo area of the then Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana. Like the beginnings of many great establishments, it was formally started in 1926 by a small group of twenty committed individuals who decided to come together to establish the church. Initially, these early converts from Bechem and Abesewa travelled to Techimantia where a priest from Kumasi on his way to Berekum regularly visited. Interestingly, six of these members came from the Ekuona family of Bechem. According to oral tradition from Mr Fobena these included Kwadwo Badu and Op. Nkrumah and his wife Yaa Num. The other founding members were: Peter Kumah Akwei, John Addai, Anna Buor, Afua Nyame, Mary Obeng and John Kwadwo Oppong, (all of Bechem), Agnes Koniwaa, Agnes Nimo, Mary Korkor, Asomaning and Anthony Barimah from Abesewa and one Oppong from Jamasi. The historical account indicates that Abesewa was part of Bechem church and later Bechem parish. However, with the creation of the Sunyani Diocese, it was made part of Tepa Parish because it was within Ashanti Region.

At the initial stages the members congregated for worship in a private house of Abena Nyarko which was situated on the left side of the Kumasi - Sunyani road and opposite the present Parish Hall. The exact position is where Mr. Fobena’s present house is located. Interestingly, Maame Nyarko herself was never a member of the church. After a period of time, she asked the group to vacate her house for fear that the use of candles might burn down her house. This, however, did not dampen the spirit of the early founders who from the onset exhibited great determination to lay a solid foundation for the establishment of a strong church. Subsequently, the group in 1927 made a formal request to the chief of Bechem for a piece of land for the construction of a church building. This request was initially refused by the chief because the Presbyterian Church was already well established in Bechem and its neighborhood. The chief, himself a Presbyterian, did not see the need for the Catholic Church to be established.

The founding members were however, determined not to give up. They therefore sought the intervention of Fr. Fisher who was then stationed at Berekum. Fr. Fisher with other members from Berekum came to see the chief and his elders. After a lot of consultations, a small plot of land opposite the present mission was allocated to the group. It is said that the place used to be an old cemetery where it was believed evil spirits inhabited and because of that people were afraid to settle there. It is also said that the place was given with the hope that either the Catholic Church through its spiritual power would drive away the evil spirits or be driven out by the spirits. As the church developed and the chiefs and people started appreciating the impact of the church and catholic education, a much bigger land was allocated some years later by the then Chief, Nana Fosu Gyeabour.

Expansion of the Church

In 1928, the first landcrate church building was constructed at a location which was just in front of the present church. A small mission house was immediately attached for the visiting priest from Berekum. From this time, Fr Fisher’s visit to Bechem community became more regular. From 1932, Fr Gerrit Van de Leeuw who was stationed at Berekum with Fr Fisher became the visiting Priests. From 1933, Fr Leeuw made his visits more frequent and spent more time in Bechem than in Techimantia. During this period, he appointed Mr. Anane as the first catechist of the church. He worked very hard and diligently which contributed immensely to the rapid growth of the Catholic community. On account of poor health, however, he resigned in 1937 and died shortly afterwards.

Elevation of Bechem to the Status of a Parish and the Establishment of the First Catholic School

The founding members constructed a new mission house in 1933 at a cost of eighteen pounds, ten shillings and six pence (£18.10.6). This was because they considered the first one which was hurriedly constructed not well enough for a resident or visiting priest. In the same year, the Bishop of Kumasi, Rt. Rev. Hubert Paulissen visited Bechem, thus making Bechem the principal station for the whole of Ahafo District. During the visit, Bishop Paulissen also announced his intention to establish a school at Bechem the following year. The idea of a Catholic school in the area was greatly resisted. This time, the resistance did not come from only the chief and his elders but also from the Presbyterian Church, the Inspector of Schools and even the Supervisor of Catholic Schools. They believed that the Presbyterian Church had already established enough schools in the Ahafo District to cater for all children. The Supervisor of Catholic Schools on the other hand feared the Catholic Schools would not survive in an area where the Presbyterian Schools were already well established. Fr. Leeuw persevered with the vision of the Church as Bishop Paulissen had earlier declared and a Catholic school was duly opened in Bechem in 1934 as planned. Mr. Marfo was appointed the first teacher and in the following year he was joined by Teacher Brobe. By the end of the first year the total number of pioneer students had reached 33. The pioneers included Joseph Fobena who also served as a mission boy. Mr. Fobena, a retired educationist, provided first-hand information for much of this historical account. The only female pupil among the 33 pioneers was Afua Donkor (later known as Elizabeth Akyaa).

In 1935, Fr. Monde was appointed an assistant priest to Fr. Gerrit Van de Leeuw. In the same year, a new improved priests’ residence was built at a cost of Two Hundred and Fifty-Four Pounds, Three Shillings and five Pence (£254.3.5). The following year a church building which was started in 1929 was completed at a cost of £306.17.9. It was commissioned by the Chief of Bechem in December 1936.

Fr. Joseph Mulders as Parish Priest 1936-1959

In 1936, Fr Joseph Mulders was appointed the parish priest of Bechem. In the same year, on 22^nd December 1936, the Papal Nuncio, Monsignor de Riberi visited Bechem and a grand durbar was organized in his honour by the Chiefs and people of Bechem. The following year (1937), the parish celebrated its first Corpus Christi in a grand style. This made the church even more popular and led to the increase in the membership. Bechem Church and parish experienced an accelerated expansion and infrastructural development during the time of Fr. Joseph Mulders who was the longest serving priest, from 1936-1959. Akora Joe’ (Old Joe) as he is still fondly remembered, constructed a new church building for Bechem between 1941 and 1942. It was constructed by Brother Burchmans who was an architect. This was the building that was used until 1999. During his time, many schools and churches were built in other stations of the parish. He was instrumental in the establishment of the St Joseph’s Training College, (now St. Joseph College of Education) at Bechem in 1948 with Mr. Nicholson as its first Principal. Fr. Joseph from the beginning saw the importance of Female Education and established a girls’ boarding school which was located at where St. Vincent School is now situated. He also established a grotto at Bechem.

The Extent of Bechem Parish

Between 1932 and 1949, the outstations of the Parish extended as far as Duayaw Nkwanta, Yamfo, Techire, Tanoso and Bomaa in the north, Pokukrom, Dwinyama and Mankranso in the south, Tepa, Goaso, Kenyasi, Mim, Kukuom, Manfo, and Asuhyiae in the west and Techimantia, Dwomo and Derma in the east. During the time of Fr Joseph, the parish had a pick- up vehicle which was used by the Parish Priest and his assistant. Due to poor health, most of the trekking visits were done by the associate priest, very often on foot or by public transport. He was accompanied on these visits by the catechist J.E.O. Mensah, (aka. Baakoyeya) and the junior cook. An interesting account is given of an incident which occurred on one of such treks on foot. As the team came across a stream without a bridge, Baakoyeya, the catechist, who was in front of the priest, bent down to roll up his trousers in order to wade across the stream. The priest thinking that the catechist was generously offering to carry him on his back to cross quickly jumped onto his back. Unprepared for this task, both catechist and priest fell into the stream. From then the priest overcame the fear of wading across streams.

Each trek lasted for about three weeks and the team returned to the parish as their supplies ran out. Fr Joseph, however, occasionally did overnight treks with the pick-up. The first cook of the priests was one Kwame Dom, elder brother of Poku-Maboa of Bechem. He later resigned to become the chief of Kwasu.

The Host Family System

Since the Catholic School served a large area, pupils came from far and near to receive Catholic education. To cater for the accommodation needs of such children, Fr Joseph introduced `the host family system’. By this arrangement, Fr Joseph built a large 3-unit dormitory block for the boys. During the day, the pupils went into homes which had offered to take care of them. According to Mr. Fobena, they lived fully with the host family, did the chores and were cared for. The first batch of standard seven students (as they were then called) passed out in 1943 and included Matthew Addai, Father of Monsignor Matthew Addai, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Goaso. Other distinguished personalities who also attended the Bechem Roman Catholic School included Most Rev. Peter Kwasi Sarpong, retired Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi Archdiocese, Bishop James Owusu of the Sunyani Diocese, Monsignor Ocran of the Cape Coast Archdiocese and Kwadwo Owusu Asibuo (Father of Fr. Benjamin Asibuo Kusi). Fr Joseph was assisted at different times (in chronological order) by Fr Francis Pas, Fr. Petersman, Fr. Gerrit Van de Laar, Fr. J. Grastel and Fr. Matthew K. Adjaye the first Ghanaian priest to serve in the parish.

Parish priests and assistant priests from 1959-2008

Fr Charles Konign 1959-1970: He expanded the Bechem Church building constructed by Fr Joseph Mulders. He later donated the current church bell after he had left the parish.

During his time, the first indigenous priest from the parish, Fr. Stephen Danso (from Techimantia, then part of the parish) was ordained. Associate priests who served with him in different times were Fr. Henry Zengers, Fr. Joseph Van Uum and Fr. Anthony Nyame.

Fr Joseph. K. Yeboah 1970-1974: He was the first Ghanaian Parish Priest who showed interest in Agriculture and established a large palm plantation for the church. The Catholic Relief Services started operating in the parish during his time.

Fr. John Flynn 1974-1981:

The associate priests at the time were: Fr. Michael Nohilly SMA (1976), Fr. Joseph Marfo Gyimah (1977), Fr. Emmanuel Gyansah Tabi (1980 -1981)

The parish hall at Bechem and the mission house at Techimantia were constructed during his time.

Expanded Infrastructural Development under Fr. Vincent Glennon 1981-1998

Fr Vincent Glennon SMA, was the longest serving priest after Fr Joseph Mulders. His period also was marked by a massive accelerated infrastructural development and social services. His projects included the present magnificent church building at Bechem and the renovation of the old mission block to its present status. The Holy Ghost Sisters came to the Parish around the same time and Fr. Vincent built a Convent for them. He also founded the St. Vincent International School (now St Vincent International School) at Bechem which has since its establishment been one of the best basic schools in the Tano North and South Districts. Fr Vincent also constructed church buildings and schools in the out stations at Mansin and Ohianimguase. Due to his foresight, he built a mission house at Bomaa which has now become a parish. Fr. Vincent’s social concern was not limited to the church but extended to the entire communities in which the churches operated. Consequently, he constructed a number of boreholes in Bechem and Bomaa as well as a number of KVIP toilets at Bechem and Breme which he handed over to the communities. He also constructed fish ponds at Bechem. The end of his term coincided with the creation of the Diocese of Goaso in 1998.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH, BECHEM

Fr. Fisher, SMA (Visiting Priest)
1926 – 1933

Parish Priests Since 1933

1. Fr. Gerrit Van Der Leeuw — 1933 – 1936

2. Fr. Joseph Mulders — 1936 – 1959

3. Fr. Charles Konign — 1959 – 1970

4. Fr. Joseph Yeboah — 1970 – 1974

5. Fr. John Flynn — 1974 – 1981

6. Fr. Vincent Glennon — 1981 – 1998

7. Fr. Joseph Ameyaw — 1998 – 2000

8. Fr. Joseph Aduse-Poku — 2000 – 2003

9. Fr. Benjamin Opoku Donkor — 2003 – 2004

10. Fr. Nicholas Afriyie — 2004 – 2007

11. Fr. Peter Nimo — 2007 – 2017 

12. Fr. Sixtus Kyei Kusi - 1^st November 2017 - 2021

13. Fr. Elisha Manu - 2021

Associate priests: Frs: Augustine Amankwaah-Boateng, Peter Nimo, Daniel Afum, Jonas Opoku Gyamfi, Sylvester Baffour Awuah, Samuel Baiden and Bernard Sarpong.

Name of Parish: St. John of God
Location: Duayaw – Nkwanta
Name of Priest: Frs. Daniel Afum, PP., Francis Kusi Ababio, Gregory Asomaing-Agyemang, (Associates)
Outstations: Susuanho, Koforidua, Buokrukruwa, Bredi, Dagyamim, Jachie, Campso
Contacts: Box 84, Duayaw Nkwanta

ST. JOHN OF GOD CATHOLIC CHURCH, DUAYAW – NKWANTA

The catholic faith was brought to Duayaw Nkwanta in 1929 by Opanin John Duah. According to oral narrative, he visited his sick family member at Techimantia who was in a serious condition at a point of death. The Catholics over there surrounded the sick person with crosses on their neck and devotedly prayed the holy rosary. At his next visit, he found out that the sick person had recovered. The miraculous healing of the sick person motivated him to embrace the faith. He undoubtedly believed that the crosses on their neck fought evil spirits and healed the sick person. This necessitated his yearning for the Catholic Church at his place of residence. St. John of God Catholic Church at Duayaw Nkwanta was founded by the following: John Duah, Akwasi Gyabeng, Yaw Nsiah, Ofori, Osei Kwabena, Paul Kusi, Paul Kwasi, Akwasi Mfum, Kwaku Dabone, Kwaku Amoah, Yaw Kune, Godwin Kwame Owusu, Kwadwo Num, Gabriel Kwadwo Agyapong, Kwame Mensah, Yaa Ayiwa, Elizabeth Akosua Manu, Mary Akua Pokuah who later became Nana Serwaa Kesse, the queen mother of Duayaw Nkwanta traditional area and Philomena Yeboah popularly known as Abenaa Baaduei who happened to be the last among the founding members to be called to eternity, at the age of 120. The early adherents of the Catholic faith at Duayaw Nkwanta worshipped at Opanin Gyabeng’s house. When the Catholic faith was planted on the land of Duayaw Nkwanta, there was no priest available to administer the sacraments. It ignited their desire to attend Masses and other para-liturgical functions at Bechem. Fortune smiled on them and later, they were added onto the priests’ trekking programmes.

THE ORIGIN OF THE PATRON SAINT

When John Duah was baptized and received the sacrament of holy matrimony, he chose the name John. The people decided to name the Church after him. They took that unanimous decision because it was through his effort that they had the church. This coincided with the period the hospital was established at Duayaw Nkwanta. Interestingly, they realized that in the year 1886, Pope Leo XIII declared Saint John of God the patron of hospitals and the sick people. Since the church and the hospital were established at the same time, they all agreed to name the church and the hospital after Saint John of God. They were convinced that the continuous intercession through St. John of God for the sick in the church and hospital would be healed. This is the genesis of the name Saint John of God, which both the church and the hospital bear. John Duah came back with the burning desire to plant the faith in Duayaw Nkwanta. Prior to this vision, there was a singing group in the town known as the “NTAN¹” group of which he was a member. He discussed this vision to establish a Church with them and they all agreed to support him. These adherents were first worshipping at Akwasi Gyabeng house. Later they moved adjacent to the St. John of God Hospital which is known as “Parliament” in Duayaw Nkwanta and it is close to Techimantia road. They raised a wooden structure as their place of worship. The then chief linguist mobilized the young men in the community to dismantle the wooden structure they had built as their place of worship. They constructed another church close to the main Sunyani- Kumasi road where the vulcanizer, called “Guy Guy” is currently occupying, i.e in front of the existing church building. They built a laterite structure (Atakpame dan) as their first chapel for worship. When the number began to increase and the chapel could not contain them, they put up a bigger one during the time of Fr. Joseph Moulders i.e the present old chapel. The population of the church continued to increase rapidly and there was the urgent need to rebuild a new chapel during the time of Fr. Andrew Kwabena Opoku (first parish priest).

In 1941, Nana Boakye Tromo II was enstooled the paramount chief of the land. He appointed Mr. Gambrah who was a staunch catholic from Kumasi as registrar to his council. The then bishop of Kumasi, Bishop Andrew Van De Bronk was coming for pastoral visit to Duayaw Nkwanta. Mr. Gambrah advised the chief to welcome the bishop with a durbar which the chief agreed. According to him, the chief could use the occasion to request for support for the town. On that day, Mr. Gambrah appealed to the bishop on behalf of the chief to elevate the status of the church to a parish and also establish health center for the community. The bishop was extremely excited upon hearing the request from the chief who was a Presbyterian. He offered them a priest and the health center as requested by the chief. Today, Duayaw Nkwanta Church has grown and Terchire has been carved out as a rectorate but it still has eight outstations and two vibrant small christian communities. At the moment there are two Religious Congregations in the Parish, namely; Our Lady of Apostles (OLA Sisters) and Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM Sisters).

ACQUISITION OF LAND

The church moved to the present place because of the attacks on the church by some organized youth of the town. When the town began to develop, people and institutions including churches started to acquire plots of land. The then president of the church, John Duah approached the chief, Nana Boakye Tromo II for Plots for the church and other infrastructural development. The chief demarcated a vast land from where we have the old chapel through to a stream on the Sunyani – Kumasi road. As the town continued to develop the traditional council of the town asked that part of the land should be given to individuals to develop since the place had become the central part of the town. The chief, Nana Boakye Tromo III agreed and he gave the church another plot located on the Nkwanta -Kumasi road where the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) Sisters reside and the College of Health has been built. Presidents: John Duah, George Yeboah, Stephen Manu, David Boateng, Yamfo Gyamera, Mr. Tabiri, Paul Kwame Senyah, Francis Manu Appau, Augustine Effah Apraku. Catechists: Albert Duah, David Asante, Rita Ogbanor, John Awuah Dwumah, Joseph Opoku Agyemang, Edward Adjei Busumuru, Patrick Dogo, Samuel Kwaku Mensah, Gregory Oppong

Visiting priests of the church were Fr. Gerrit Van Der Leeuw, (1933-1936), Fr. Joseph Mulders, (1936-1953), Fr. Ooyen, (1954-1961)

Fr. Ooyen was the first priest to be appointed by Fr. Joseph Mulders as the chaplain to the hospital. He doubled as priest in-charge of the church even though it was still an outstation under Bechem parish. He was given the responsibility to assist in the pastoral activities in the Duayaw Nkwanta church alone. The other stations around Duayaw Nkwanta and its environs were taken care of by the priests at Bechem. He built the old mission house as his residence.

Fr. Moreen, 1961- Trekking Priest, Fr. James Fegan (S.M.A. Priest - in residence, Fr. Philip Sae, Priest in residence. Fr. Philip Sae was appointed by Bishop James Kwadwo Owusu the Bishop of Sunyani as a residence priest in Duayaw Nkwanta.

PARISH PRIESTS

Fr. Andrew Kwabena Opoku (1987-1995) - He was the first parish priest of St. John of God Catholic church. He was appointed by Bishop James Owusu to take a canonical possession of the parish from 1987-1995. He started the construction of the current chapel up to the roofing.

Fr. John Addai Boateng; He was a chaplain at St. Joseph College of Education at Bechem. He came in to give pastoral assistance to Fr. Opoku when he fell sick and was inactive. Fr. Addai Boateng used to visit Duayaw Nkwanta, Techimantia and Bechem to assist pastorally.

Fr. Benjamin Benneh; He was appointed to take over when Fr. Poku was taken ill. He stayed for few months and in August, 1995 replaced by Fr. Augustine Amankwaa Boateng , Fr. Stephen Danso, Fr. Stephen Dabanka, Fr. Anthony Dwomo Marfo - 2000 – 2003, Fr. Emanuel Owusu Amoako - 2003 -2007, Fr. Augustine Owusu - 2007 – 2014, Fr. Theophilus Akyeampong Pepra - 2014- 2017, Fr. Peter Nimo - Nov. 2017 – 2022, Fr. Joseph Aduse-Poku –2022-2025 and Fr. Daniel Affum - 2025

Mission churches in the parish are Buokrukruwa, Adagyamem, Koforidua, Camposo, Akokoammon, Boaso, Bredi, and Susuanho.

Priests from the parish:Frs. Anthony Dwomo Marfo, Nicholas Afriyie, Anthony Gyamera, Augustine Yeboah (Italy), Bernard Obeng Gyamfi, Christopher Korang (Accra Archdiocese), Martin Adjei, Emmanuel Asante Wiredu, Lambert Bekourebe (Tamale Archdiocese), Samuel Osei Kuffour, Fredrick Kwarteng,Emmanuel Adu Boateng, Ransford Marfo.

Religious brothers and sisters: Bro. Jones Agyemang (CSC), Bro. James Boakye (CSC), Bro. Kenneth Goode (CSC), Sr. Theresa Anima Kusi (OLA), Sr. Joyce Gyeduwaa Gyamerah (OLA), Sr. Georgina Achiaa Brenya (HHCJ), Sr. Linda Wirekowaa (OLA), Sr. Angelina Adoma(OLA), Sr. Cynthia Amedika (RVM), Sr. Shiela Lieru D. (MMM)

Name of Parish: Sacred Heart
Location: Techimantia
Name of Priest: Frs. Denis Senyo Etti, SMA. Francis Kunda, SMA
Outstations: Dwomo, Tweapease, Subriso, Asuboi.
Contacts: Box 1, Techimantia

SACRED HEART PARISH – TECHIMANTIA

Techimantia Sacred Heart Catholic church was started by a singing band leader who later became the Choirmaster Kwaku Nti, who hailed from Dome near Agogo in the Asante Akim area in the Ashanti Region, had his singing prowess as his greatest weapon in his evangelization efforts. The Presbyterian Church had gained roots in Techimantia so he had it tough getting converts for his new faith.

The Techimantia Catholic Church started as St. Anthony Catholic Church and after a while changed to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church as most of the leading members joined that confraternity. It is on record that a teacher by name Albert Anto was transferred from Bechem to Techimantia in 1936. It can therefore be inferred from this history that the church must have been established in the early1930’s. Kofi Nti was assisted greatly by Peter Anyimadu who was the first president of the church.

The Catholic Church at Techimantia was the first to be established in the Ahafo area. The visiting priest, Fr. Rothoff, resided in Kumasi and did his visitations to Techimantia and Berekum. After a while, Fr. Fisher was sent to Berekum to be in charge of the two stations. During their visits to Techimantia, the priests were accommodated in a house popularly called "bungalow" which has now lent its name to that area of the town. Part of the old building still stands and is inhabited by descendants of the owner, Yaw Addo. With the good work of Peter Anyimadu and the other pioneers, churches were opened at Dwomo, Derma, Adaa, Subriso, Asuboi, Ankaase, Tweapease, Derma Nkwaakyire, Monta and Techimantia Nyamebeye. The members worshipped in a shed raised for that purpose at the spot near the place currently used by a plastic container repairer in the old market. Fr. Leones built a new one on the site where food vendors sell food items to school pupils. The third building is the current one which has even undergone some extensive renovations. The church in Techimantia started a mission house near the primary school area but due to encroachments from the people, a new site was acquired for its mission house and development projects. The new mission house was started and completed in 1984. Fr. John Flynn was the first occupant of the house. It has since been the official residence for all Parish Priests posted to Techimantia.

Presidents: Peter Anyimadu, Kwadwo Owusu, Peter Boakye, John Yaw Fosah, Stephen Boadu, Charles Badu, Stephen Boadu, Charles Adu Agyei, Samuel Kyeremeh, Agnes Appiah, Matthew Damptey and Osberth Ampofo.

Resident priests: Fr. John Flynn SMA (1984 -1986), Fr. Joachim Boadi Amponim (1987 – 1991), Fr. Paul Miki Gyamfi (1991 – 1995), Fr. John Addae Boateng (Jan – Sept 1995), Fr. Augustine Owusu-Addo (1995 – 1996), Fr. Andrew Takyia (1996), Fr. Anthony Marfo Dwomo (1996 – 1997), Fr. Charles Gyasi Buabeng (1998 – 1999, Fr. Augustine Nsiah Asante (1999 – 2000, Fr. Isaac Boansi (2000 – 2004), Fr. Benjamin Asibuo Kusi (2004 – 2011), Fr. Francis Addai Poku (2011 – 2014), Fr. Fr. Anthony Marfo Dwomo (2014 – 2017), Fr. Gaspard Dery (2017 – 2018), Fr. Francis Ayana (2018), Fr. Michael Amponsah (2018 – 2021),Fr. Denis Senyo Kormla Etti, SMA (2021),Fr. Davis Tetteh Angmor(2025).

Priests from the parish: Frs: Stephen Danso, Emmanuel Tabi Gyansah, Dominic Antwi Boasiako, Augustine Nsiah Asante, John Forkuo, Joseph Donkor, Marcellinus Edward Tangviel

Religious from the parish: Sr. Beatrice Coffie

VISITING BISHOPS:

1. Most Rev. Abraham Katumana, then Papal Pro-nuncio for Ghana and Togo visited the Parish during the time of Fr. J. Boadi Amponim.

2. Most Rev. George Kocherry Papal Nuncio to Ghana(2000 to 2007), Cardinal Tomko from Rome an Bishop James K. Owusu, Bishop of Sunyani Diocese visited the parish during the time of Fr. Paul Miki Gyamfi.

3. The Bishop of Goaso Diocese, Most Rev. Peter K. Atuahene paid his first visit to the Parish in 1998.

FIRST BAPTISM
Fr. Joachim Boadi Amponim administered the first Sacrament of baptism of six people who were preparing for Holy Matrimony. Two of them were children of the catechumenates. They were Anna Opoku Ankobea, Moses Kwaku Fosu, John Kwasi Domfe, Awere Tiwaa Damptey and her two daughters, Comfort Boatemaa Afriyie and Cecilia Serwaa Afriyie. This was on 3^rd December, 1987. Marriage blessing: Three marriages were the first to be blessed in the Parish. The couples who had their marriages blessed on 5^th December 1987 were Mr. and Mrs. Afriyie, Mr. and Mrs. Fosu and Mr. and Mrs. Domfe. Confirmations: A total of 217 candidates received the sacrament of confirmation between 2002 and 2005 from Bishop Atuahene. Catechists: John K. Kwarteng was appointed the full time Parish Catechist on the 1^st of November, 1998 by Fr. Charles Gyasi Buabeng.

Name of Parish: St. Anthony
Location: Yamfo
Name of Priest: Frs. Francis Ayana (PP), Michael Agyei
Outstations: Susuanso, Tanoso, Afrisipa, Ahyiayem, Assen, Adengo.
Contacts: Box 24, Yamfo

ST. ANTHONY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - YAMFO

The church at Yamfo was founded in 1931 by Kwaku Munukuo, Kwasi Barimah, Paul Kofi Kusi, Yaw Awuah, Kwadwo Korang and Kwame Onyinah, through the influence of Teacher - Catechist Nkrumah from Bechem Parish. Joseph Yaw Afful who joined them later from Kumasi was the literate among them so assumed the leadership role. The women who worshipped with them included Afua Donkor, Akosua Kraa and Afua Twenewaa. They held church services under a tree near Kwame Mensah’s storey building. They later moved to the old Methodist church site (present day taxi station) and the present site allocated to the church by Nana Kwame Badu who was the chief. At the new site they put up a thatched building as the membership increased. In 1934, three people were baptized. The number of baptized people increased to 1,513 in 1971 when it was under Bechem Parish. In 1972 it was carved from Bechem Parish to join Sunyani Parish. By 1997, 2,591 people had been baptized and admitted into the church. The mud building could not contain the increasing number so a bigger building was constructed with financial contributions and communal labour of the faithful. The building was dedicated on Sunday, 27th November 1955 by Rt. Rev. Van De Bronk, Bishop of Kumasi and Fr. Matthew Adjaye. In 1995 the building could not contain the increasing number of the faithful. Fr. Augustine Twum Obour therefore moved the faithful into the building constructed by Fr. Glatzel SVD, originally intended to serve as a social centre. In 1983 the church attained a rectorate status with Fr. Joseph Glatzel as the first resident priest. Apart from putting up the social centre, Fr. Glatzel refurbished the mission house which had been completed by the faithful in 1982 with the assistance of Fr. Michael Nohilly SMA. He lived there from 1983 to 1991.

In 1993 the church attained a quasi-parish status under Fr. Joachim Boadi Amponim. It was ushered into a full-fledged parish by Most Rev. Peter Atuahene in December 2002. Fr. Bernard Obeng - Gyamfi was the first Parish Priest. There are six outstations: Susuanso, Tanoso, Afirisipa, Ahyiayem, Ansen and Adengo. To cater for the educational needs of the people, on 17^th June 1939, the church established a primary school with eleven pupils. The Management Committee members were J. Y Afful, Kwame Onyina, Paul Kofi Kusi, Kwaku Munukuo, and Joseph Kwaku Poku. The church established a middle school on 31^st January 1955. The seven member management committee was Kwasi Mensah, Kwame Bonnah, Joseph Poku, Appiah Danquah, Kwasi Adiya and Prempeh. They were to look for pupils and buy uniforms and books for them.

The priests who have served the parish are Fr. Michael Nohilly (1982-1984), Fr. Joseph Glatzel (1983 – 1991), Fr. Stephen Dabanka (1991), Fr. Joachim Boadi Amponim (1991 – 1993), Fr. Matthew Addai (1993 – 1994), Fr. Augustine Twum Obour (1994 – 1995), Fr. John Kwaku Forkuo (1995 – 1998), Fr. Anthony Marfo Dwomo (8^th March to 22^nd August 1998), Fr. Stephen Danso (1998 - 2000), Fr. Gaspard Dery (29 April 2000-18th August 2000), Fr Augustine Amankwaa Boateng (2000 – 2002), Fr. Bernard Obeng – Gyamfi (2002 – 2005), Fr. Andrew Kwabena Opoku (Residence), Fr.Felix Twumasi (2005 – 2009), Fr. Augustine Owusu-Addo (2008 – 2018 in residence), Fr. Theophilus Akyeampong Pepra (2009 – 2014), Fr. Augustine Owusu (2014 - 2017), Fr. Joseph Donkor (15th 2017 - 2^nd October, 2017), Fr. Charles Gyasi Buabeng (2017 - March 2019), Fr. Joseph Kuunygyir (2018 - March 2019 Associate), Fr. Francis Ayana (2019).

Church president since 1935: Joseph Yaw Afful (1935 – 1963), Paul Kofi Kusi (1963-1981), Samuel Appiah Danquah (1981-1982), Joseph Kwabena Gyau (1982-1993), Emmanuel Afoakwa (1987-1993), Nana Anthony Kwasi Boampong (1993-1996), Peter Kwasi Mensah (1996 – 1999), Akwasi Osei - Kufuor (1999-2011), Opoku Nimfour (2011- 2018), Charles Ackom (2018), Dora Osei Kuffour (2022)

Name of Parish: St. Joseph
Location: Bomaa
Name of Priest: Fr. Anthony Kwabena Appiah Yeboah   
Outstations: Asukese, Subonpang, Tanokrom, Kwasuagya, Onwi, Mamponteng, Dwomakwai, Dwenease.
Contacts: c/o Box 28, Goaso

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH - BOMAA

On 16^th February 1935, six people congregated to start Bomaa St. Joseph Catholic Church. They were Kwame Kyeremeh and his sister Akosua Saamaa, Kwaku Barimah, Kwadwo Bisiw, Kwadwo Sekyere, Veronica Abena Akoma and Kwadwo Kuma. Some of the founding members were farmers who came from Manteware near Dormaa Ahenkro. Kwadwo Anto a palm wine tappper later joined them because he was a friend of Kwame Kyeremeh. They gathered in the neigbourhood of Kwame Kyeremeh, then house number B.H.D 1. Kwadwo Anto who could read the Twi language through the knowledge he acquired from the then night school became their leader. They constantly met and Kwadwo Anto led them by reading from ‘’Nwoma ne Nsempa” (Epistles and the Gospel) of those days. The love they had for each other attracted most of their peer group who came to join them. Some of them were Kwabena Nsiah, Kwaku Tawiah who was the first catechist and Papa Kwamina the younger brother of Kwaku Tawiah. They were natives of Ajumako Besease in the Central Region.

Before this time, the Methodist Church was already in existence, and Kwaku Addai became the first president of the Catholic community. It was under the leadership of Kwaku Addai and Kwaku Tawiah, the catechist that the first chapel was built with palm fronds and mud, roofed with a thatched bamboo in front of Kwasi Poku’s house. Upon completion many members were added, notable among them were Yaw Barima and Yaw Kramo.

They grew in numbers and a second chapel was put up. The place later became a market center. They worshiped in this chapel till the arrival of Fr. Joseph Mulders SMA, the first priest to visit Bomaa. In 1937, he went to the palace to pay homage to the then chief, Nana Akwasi Ansu Gyeabour, who died in 1969. Fr. Joseph Mulders requested from Nana, a piece of land where he could put up buildings to start a school. Establishing a school attracted many members, some of these were Akwasi Kuma, Akwasi Nyame, Kwamina Afful, Kwabena Krah Okyere, Obaapanin Adwoa Agyeiwaa and Akwasi Kyeremeh. Op. Appiah, the chief’s personal secretary started writing the names of children of school going age. During that time the roads were not motorable, so members met Fr. Mulders, SMA, at Brosankro old town. On reaching river Kwasu they had to carry him to cross it.

The chapel which Fr. Mulders started was dedicated on 24^th January, 1954 by Fr. Matthew Adjaye. This chapel was used till 2012 when they moved to a bigger chapel.

The first converts were baptized in 1938 by Fr. Francis Pas. Among them were Paul Kwaku Addai and James Yaw Barimah. In 1947 the first Holy Matrimony was performed. The couple were James Yaw Barimah and Maame Obaa Kokoo [from Duayaw Nkwanta] who after baptism was known as Paulina Birago. First confirmation was done by Bishop Bronk of Kumasi Diocese.

VISITING PRIESTS: Frs. Joseph Mulders, Francis Pas – 1943, Charles Konign – 1960, Petersman – 1962, Joseph Van Uum, Matthew Adjaye, Anthony Nyame, Joseph K. Yeboah, John Flynn, Joseph Marfo Gyimah, Vincent Glennon SMA, Emmanuel Gyansa Tabi, John Addai Boateng, Joseph Badu Ameyaw – 1998 – 2000. Visiting catechists in the early years were Teacher Anto and Mr. Mensah (Bakoyeya) all from Bechem Parish.

In 2000, Bomaa was made a rectorate by Bishop Peter Kwaku Atuahene. In 2004, it gained a Parish status and Fr. John Forkuo became the first parish priest.

Parish priests: Fr. John Forkuo (2000 – 2006), Fr. Augustine Nsiah Asante, Fr. Daniel Afum (2006 -2010), Fr. Emmanuel Owusu Amoako (2010 – 2014), Fr. Isaac Adjei Aniwa (2014 – 2019), Fr. Olisaemeka Oranebo, CMF (2019 -2023), Fr. Paschal Diala, CMF (2023-2026), Fr. Charles Okonkwo, CMF (Associate Priest),Fr. Anthony Kwabena Appiah Yeboah (2026)

Priests from Bomaa parish: Monsignor Anthony Boahen Kyeremeh, Monsignor Matthew Addai, Monsignor Michael Barimah Apau, Fr. Joseph Aduse Poku, Fr. Augustine Asare Addai, Fr. Augustine Owusu Addo, Fr. Matthew Kumi, Fr. Benjamin Asibuo Kusi, Fr. Felix Twumasi, Fr. Israel Atta Boadi, Fr. Augustine Agyei Boakye and Fr. Bismark Appiah Kyeremeh.

Religious from Bomaa parish: Fr. Francis Mary Kumi -Benedictine Monk and Sister Evelyn Sakyiwaa- FST.

Church Presidents: Paul Kwaku Addai (1937 – 1962), Peter Kuma Boakye (1962-1998), Charles Kwadwo Kuma (1998-2002), Nana Osae Kyeremeh (2002-2006), Emmanuel Yaw Frimpong (2006 –2010), Nana Monica Adutwumwaa Addo (2010-2014), Nana Theresah Afful (2014-2020), Nana Monica Adutwumwaa Addo (2020). Peter Osei Yaw has been the Parish President since its creation. Catechists: Kofi Tawiah, Kwabena Nsiah, Teacher Opoku - (R\C Primary A), Master Boakye (R\C Primary A), Teacher Owusu (R\C Primary B), Francis Kwame Kuma, Charles Aduse Poku, 1979, Bright Clement Kyereme, Agartha Agyei Manu, Andrew Agyei Baafour, Adu Gyamfi, Gabriel Nkrumah, James Oppong. Societies: Catholic Women Association, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Christian Mothers Association, Legion of Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, C. Y. O, Prayer Group, Men Association, Northern Community, Choir, Children of the Holy Family, Catholic Youth.

Name of Parish: St. John of God Quasi Parish
Location: Brosankro New Town
Name of Priest: Fr. Bobby Jacob, CMI – PP
Outstations: Brosankro Old Town, Onwe Nkwanta, Biokrom
Contacts: 

Name of Parish: St. Francis Xavier Quasi Parish
Location: Terchire
Name of Priest: Fr. Dominic Owusu Afriyie - PP
Outstations: Adrobaa, Subriso I, Subriso II, Mankranho
Contacts:

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH - TERCHIRE

The church was established in 1931 at Terchire by Mr. Amoah, a Fante and a sawyer from the Central Region. He married a native of the town, Afua Yeboah, who joined him in his daily catholic worship. They were soon joined by Peter Yaw Amoako, Osei Kwabena, Kwasi Kuku, James Kwame Beniako, Paul Kwasi Bour and Matthew Yaw Boampong. Paul Kwasi Bour however, emerged as the first church president in 1931.

Church presidents since 1931: Paul Kwasi Bour (1931 – 1961), Peter Yaw Amoako (1962 – 1979), Matthew Yaw Boampong (1980 – 1986), Monica Owuo Nsiah (1987 – 1991), Peter Kwadwo Amankwaa (1992 – 1998), Stephen Gaspard Okrah (1999 – 2003), Emmanuel Kwame Yeboah (2004 – 2008), Gabriel Kofi Agudson (2009 – 2013), Nana John Acheampong (2014 – 2018), Nana Anthony Ankroma Mensah (2018)

Catechists - since 1931:Kwasi Asuah (Teacher), James Kwame Beniako, Teacher Amofah (Bechem), Peter Yaw Amoako, Anthony Kwame Kwakye, Francis Agyei Manu, Peter Kwadwo Amankwaa, Dominic Kofi Adu-Boampong, Joseph Kwadwo Manu, Edward Kwadwo Acquah

Church buildings

The first church building was a wooden structure with bamboo roofing. The members decided to upgrade the wooden structure so they built a new chapel with mud and managed to roof it with corrugated iron sheets. It was completed in 1933 and a rainstorm caused it to collapse in 1953. With determination and courage the members of the church, backed by Fr. Joseph Mulders of Bechem, started the third chapel on top of rocks in 1953. By the close of 1954, the third chapel on the rocks was ready for use. A fourth church building still under construction was started in 2002.

Catholic schools: a.The Roman Catholic Primary School was established in 1944 by Fr. Joseph Mulders of Bechem. The first headteacher was J.B. Bonsu, a pupil teacher and a native of Bechem. He started the school in the Catholic Church building with seven boys.

b. The Roman Catholic K.G. School: In consultation with the church elders and stakeholders in the town, Dominic Adu-Boampong submitted an application to the Assistant Director of Education at Bechem on 26^th October, 1987 for the establishment of a new Kindergarten School to feed the primary school. Approval was given and the K.G started operating in the 1988/1989 academic year.

c. St. Andrew Catholic Junior Secondary School: Application for the establishment of a new JSS to be known as St. Andrew Catholic JSS was submitted to the Tano District Education Office at Bechem on 18^th August, 2000 by Dominic Adu-Boampong. Approval was given by the District office on 18^th September, 2003. The school started operating in the 2003/2004 academic year with Adu­ Boampong as the first headmaster.

Societies: St. Cecilia’s choir: Master Barima, a Music Master of St. Joseph Training College (JOSCO), organised a music competition for all singing groups (singing bands and choirs) at Techimantia in 1959. Terchire R/C singing band attended the competition where they met Wilberforce Thaddeus Ameka, a teacher/choirmaster. His choir from Susuanso performed exceedingly well. Their performance prompted S.S Mensah and H. Appiah Kubi to negotiate with Thaddeus to establish a similar choir at Terchire in 1960. The first practice day of the choir was 11^th September, 1960.

St. Anthony’s guild / choir: The St. Anthony Guild was formed by a devoted lady called Cecilia Adu Gyamfi in 1998. It was inaugurated on 9^th May, 1999. The St. Anthony Guild has finally been transformed into a choir with a new name St. Anthony Choir. The choir was also inaugurated on the 14^th May, 2017.

Catholic Women Association 4. Junior/Youth Choir 5. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus 6. Christian Mothers Association 7. Catholic Men’s Society 8. Sacred Heart Confraternity

Name of Parish: St. Mary Quasi Parish
Location: Derma
Name of Priest: Fr. Anthony Awuah Boateng
Outstations: Derma Nkwakyire, Ankaase, Adaa, Monta, Nsuta, Tuagyankrom
Contacts:

ST. MARY ASSUMPTION PARISH - DERMA

The church was established in 1934 with a wooden structure as the first place of worship at Bempenase. Prior to the establishment of the church, they used to join the Catholic community at Techimantia every Sunday for Mass. The founding members were: Peter Antwi Kwame Sono, Paul Nyakabi Pong, Kwabena Kra, Teacher C. Anto, James Marfo, Maame Adwoa Ataa and W.C. Garmon. According to Peter Antwi Sono, the first church president, the maiden Mass in Derma was celebrated by Fr. Leo, a German Priest. With the assistance of the first catechist, Paul Nyakabi Pong, the Sacrament of baptism was first administered in 1964. Initially the church was named after St. Peter. However, when Fr. Joseph Mulders realized that many of the churches at the time bore the name Peter, he changed it to St. Mary.

In 1949, a second church building was constructed. The building was partly financed by Peter Antwi Sono, the first church president at that time and some other generous and dedicated members. The first church constructed at Derma was the first structure there to be constructed with cement and blocks. At that time, the population of the church was about 350.

On 30^th October, 2017, the Bishop, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, carved Derma and its environs out of the Sacred Heart Parish of Techimantia and appointed Fr. Gaspard Dery, as its first Parish Priest. The current parish priest is Fr. Anthony Awuah Boateng.

Presidents: Peter Kwame Antwi Sono, James Yaw Marfo, Anthony Kwaku Tumtuo, Francis Kofi Nimo, James Kofi Adade Brefo, Augustine Kwasi Owusu, John Kwabena Badu, Festus Agyeman, Nana Mensa Abrampah. Catechist: Paul Nyankobi Pong, W.C. Garmon, Francis Boateng, William Atta Beninyona, Philip Appiah Kodom, William Yeboah, Thomas Yaw Barns

Priest from the parish: Fr. Anthony Marfo Dwomo.

Societies:Catholic Women Association, St. Mary’s Choir, Dagaaba Choir, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Youth Association, and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, St. Cecilia Choir, Men’s Fellowship, and Christian Mothers’ Association.