Kenyasi Deanery

VERY REV. FR. MATTHEW KUMI

Name of Parish: St. Peter
Location: Kenyasi
Name of Priest: Frs. Samuel Osei Kuffour - PP, Sampson Badu - Associate

Outstations: Kenyasi I, Kenyasi III, Koforidua, Camp, Kramokrom, Yawbrefo, Dokyikrom, Yawusukrom, Akosakrom, Asempaneye, Dokyikrom.
Contacts: Box 63, Kenyasi II.

ST PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH – KENYASI II

St. Peter Catholic Church at Kenyasi II was established in 1920 by a Fante named Mr. Ankrah, from Cape Coast residing at Dwinyama in collaboration with the leaders from Kenyasi I and II. He became the first catechist as he used to trek with the Priests from Kumasi. The early church was a joint church which comprised members from Kenyasi I and II until 1924 when the church at Kenyasi I was formed. It was located at where the two towns share boundary and was named St. Peter Catholic Church Kenyasi. Other founding members were; Kofi Meinka, the first President, Nana Yaw Adu, Kwadwo Boadu, Kwaku Ababio, and Peter Kwame Adu, who later became a President, Joseph Gyamfi and his wife Mary Biani and others. The priest at that time was Fr. Rothoff, a Dutch from Kumasi and stationed at Dwinyama.

In 1925, the church almost collapsed when the members found out Christian laws were very strict and also contrary to their customs. Also, there were land issues with the Northerners (especially the zongo community) with their leader Too Naaba against Agya Dadie, the strong man for the church. In 1931, the church became fully established when the case was settled and the land in question given back. In 1935, some of the first converts who received baptism through Fr. Leeuw were Matthew Nkrumah, Joseph Kwame Bour, who became a Vice President, Agnes Nyamekye, Elizabeth Yaa Yaa and Simon Kumah. With these new converts, it became necessary to build a chapel and Peter Kwame Adu gave his cocoa farm for five years to finance the building. Throughout this period the station was under Bechem Parish.

In 1954, the church became an outstation of Mim and the number started increasing so the members decided to put up a more spacious building. Permission was given by Fr. Laar, who was the Parish Priest and Peter Yaw Kwarteng who was not a Catholic, paid fifty pounds towards the building and hence his name was put on the foundation stone. William Kofi Kwarteng and Francis Osei Boahen are the two elders who gave most of the information about the Kenyasi church.

Odeneho Nsiah Ababio, the Omanhene, a church member, in collaboration with the community gave 20.5 acres of land to the church and the school. Documentations [cadastral plan/lease] on this land had been processed during Fr. Nicholas Afriyie’s time as parish priest in 2020. In addition to the land given, an eight room apartment which used to accommodate teachers of the catholic school was given to the church. Later the church added two big halls and five rooms which had been given to some of the church members who are helping the church. Another hall being occupied now by GODCCOSS was also given to the church by the community.

In November 1973, Kenyasi was declared a Parish during the pastoral visit of Rt. Rev. James Kwadwo Owusu, the then Bishop of Sunyani. Fr. Elisha O’Shea SMA, the first Parish Priest stayed at Hwidiem hospital bungalow for some time until the mission house at Kenyasi was completed in 1974 through the efforts of Odeneho Nsiah Ababio and the church.

The first Diocesan Priest of the parish was Fr. Matthew Gyamfi in 1990 (now the Bishop of Sunyani). Fr. Gyamfi who was also a teacher at OLA Secondary School, used to attend classes and trek to nearby stations on a bicycle due to the transfer of Fr. Brian Traynor, SMA and subsequently the transfer of the Parish vehicle to Bechem where the SMA priests were operating.

Augustine Bonna was made the first Parish Catechist until his retirement in 2019. The outstations under Kenyasi when it was raised to a Parish status in 1973 were Kenyasi I, Hwidiem, Wamahinso, Acherensua, Nkasiem, Ntotroso, Mehame, Apenimadi, Gyedu, Dadiesoaba, Koforidua, Camp, Kramokrom, Amanfrom, Kenyasi III, Nkrankrom, Twabidi, Konkontireso, Donkorkrom, Kwakyekrom, Siechiem, Amomaso, Dokyikrom, Yawusukrom, Akotosu and Kwahu II

Stations of Kenyasi parish as at 2023: Kenyasi 1, Kenyasi II New Site, Kenyasi III, Koforidua, Dokyikrom, Asempanaye, Akosa, Kramokrom, Camp, Yaw Brefo, Kwakuri, Tawiakrom, Obengkrom, Bogyampa, Asamang and Kojokrom. With the increase in population in the various outstations, five parishes were created out of the main parish. Nkasiem (2002), Hwidiem (2003), Acherensua (2004), Wamahinso (2018), Ntotroso (2019)

CHURCH CHOIR /SINGING GROUPS:

It is on record that church services were led by Singing Band groups till the 1970’s. The main choir started during the time of J.M Frimpong and Teacher Pyne, who were both teachers at the R/C Middle School and Choirmasters. The choir at Kenyasi thrived during the period when George Barima Boahen [B.B. George] relocated to Kenyasi II and became the choirmaster. With hard work and dedication, the choir is now a force to reckon with in the diocese. Alexander Ameyaw, the organist, Thomas Adjei and Joseph Manu [Sarfo Vasco] have taken over after B.B George was made the Parish Music Director. Kenyasi can also boast of a strong and dynamic Dagarba choir in charge of first Masses on Sundays. There is also a Music ministry singing group. The latest singing group is the St. Bakitha Junior Choir which was started during the time of Fr. Nicholas Afriyie. This singing group comprises the youth in the church and it is being led by Alexander Ameyaw. A set of brass band instruments was outdoored on 14th March, 2021 by the church and the band is led by Ernest Owusu [Agya Owusu].

Parish priests of Kenyasi: Fr. Elisha O’Shea, SMA (1973 – 1979), Fr. Anthony Kelly, SMA (1979 – 1981), Fr. Brian Traynor, SMA (1982 – 1989), Fr. Matthew Gyamfi- First Diocesan Priest (1990 – 1991), Fr. John K. Nkrumah (1991 – 1994), Fr. Emmanuel Gyansah Tabi (1994 – 1997),Fr. Dominic Asuahene (1997 – 1998), Fr. Paul Nimo Boampong (1998 – 1999), Fr. Theophilus Akyeampong Pepra (1999 – 2003), Fr. Anthony Marfo Dwomo (2003 – 2004), Fr. Peter Nimo 2004 – 2006), Fr. George Obeng Yeboah Asuamah (2006 – 2009), Fr. Christopher Kwakye (2009 – 2011), Fr. Felix Twumasi (2011-2018), Fr. Nicholas Afriyie (2018-2020), Fr. Samuel Osei Kuffour (2020)

Priests / Religious from Kenyasi: Fr. Nelson Adjei Bediako –SMA, Fr. Elisha Manu – Diocesan Priest, Sr. Maureen Amponsah – OLA, Fr. Michael Opoku - Grenada

Parish Presidents: Peter Kwame Adu (1974 -1981), Paul Kwayie (1981 – 1995), Francis K. Kwakye (1995 – 1998), Johnson Appiah (1998 – 1999), Simon Osei Bonsu (1999 – 2003), Peter Kwarteng Amaning (2003 -2020), James Nsiah Boakye (2021)

Church Presidents: Kofi Meinka, Peter Kwame Adu, Louis Dadzie, Francis Kofi Kwakye, George Atta Adusei Snr, Theresah Afua Manu, Rebecca Sarfo, Anthony Kontor, Augustine Opoku Frimpong, Felicitas Kunnuo, Peter Kwarteng Amaning, John Abebrese Kwarteng

Catechists: Teacher Michael, Anthony Adu Lash, Micheal Manu, Augustine Bonna (Parish Catechist), Peter Kwarteng Amaning, Kwasi Matthew, Robert Bienni, Paul Owusu, Augustine Kusi, Thomas Obeng Mensah, Paul Gyabra [O.C], Georgina Osei Agyeman, Callistus Taalaar, Samuel K. Mensah

SOCIETIES: Catholic Women Association, Christian Mothers’ Association, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Men’s Fellowship, Charismatic Renewal, Catholic Youth, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bible Readers Association, Church Choir, Dagarba Choir, Knights of the Altar, Knights and Ladies of Marshall, Knights of St. John’s International, Singing Ministry, St. Bakitha Junior Choir

Name of Parish: Blessed Sacrament
Location: Nkaseim
Name of Priest: Frs. Joseph Aduse-Poku - PP, Ransford Marfo - Associate
Outstations: Outstations (4): Wuramumuso, Nkrankrom, Ohiatua, Krapoo
Contacts: Box 29, Nkaseim

BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH- NKASEIM

The Catholic Church at Nkasaim was founded in 1917 and was named after St Joseph. It was founded through the efforts of Kwame Fosu a native, who provided accommodation for the place of worship. He started teaching catechism by inviting some catholics from Mim and Noberkaw where the church had had a firm stand, to teach on Sundays. The church was strengthened when Theophilus Dogo from Asante Akim joined and helped greatly in the teaching of catechism. When the number increased, a thatched building was erected behind the general market which was situated at the center of the town. It was a trying period but the people were moved and many others joined the church. Among them were: Kwasi Yanka, Kwame Nimpan, Kwaku Manu and Joseph Oppong who was the local catechist. Priests who were known to have visited the church were Frs. Van Laar and Fr. Monial. Nkasaim church was an outstation under Bechem parish when the entire diocese was part of Kumasi diocese. It was under Kenyasi parish when the Goaso diocese was created. In 1973, it was made an outstation of Kenyasi Parish in the diocese of Sunyani. Fr Elisha O’Shea was the visiting priest. In 1977, Fr. James Agyemang-Duah, a native of Nkasaim was ordained a priest by Bishop James Kwadwo Owusu in Sunyani and had his first mass at Nkaseim. The Catholic primary school was built by the church elders.

On the 22^nd of June, 2002, the church was raised to the status of a Quasi parish with Fr Stephen Dabanka as the Rector. The name was changed to Blessed Sacrament Church. On 21st June 2003, it was made a Parish by the bishop. Fr Stephen Dabanka was appointed the first parish priest.

Priests who have served in the parish: Frs: Stephen Dabanka, Gaspard Dery, Christopher Kwakye, Charles Gyasi Buabeng, Alexander Nkansah, Daniel Owusu, Joseph Aduse Poku.and Ransford Marfo.

Presidents: Stephen Adjei Mensah (2002 – 2003), Thomas Ansu (2004 - 2005), Paulina Addae (2005 – 2007), John Osei Yaw (2007- 2011), Vincent K. Mensah (2011- 2014), John Opoku Acheampong (2014 – 2020), Janet Siaw (2020). Societies: Catholic Women Association, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Christian Mothers Association, Choir, Catechist Association.

Name of Parish: St. Joseph
Location: Wamahinso
Name of Priest: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Asante-Wiredu - PP
Outstations: Amomaso, Yaw Owusukrom
Contacts:

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH – WAMAHINSO

The church was started in 1928 by Op. Amankwaa, Fosuhene and Fabeng, who were all farmers. They erected the first thatched chapel and when the converts increased, they put up a bigger one. Some years later, the church faced some challenges over land acquisition. This compelled Op. Amankwaa and the others to attend church services at Ntotroso. In 1930, Akwasi Kom helped to settle the dispute and a new thatched chapel was erected. He then went to Bechem to inform the Parish Priest about the church at Wamahinso. The church started again in 1931 with 20 converts receiving baptism.

Fr. Monial was the first priest to visit the station in 1935 and celebrated the first Mass. He provided iron sheets for the roofing of a new chapel which was later pulled down in 1964 during a street construction project. Fr. Peterson in 1936 took over from Fr. Monial and baptized about twenty children, including Theresa Ataa Adwoa, Beatrice Duku, Paul Kwayie and Anthony Nyamesem. In 1941, Fr. Joseph Mulders established R/C primary school at Wamahinso.

In 1971, Augustine Adanse Bonnah introduced the Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O) into the church. The Legion of Mary was founded by Peter Adjei with the help of Augustine K. Vidzah.

When Sunyani was created as a Diocese in 1973, Kenyasi was raised to a Parish status and Wamahinso became an outstation church.

Fr. Isaac Etwi Gyamfi came to prepare the grounds for a year and Fr. Emmanuel Asante Wiredu took over in November 2015. On Sunday, 22^nd July, 2018, the church was raised to the status of a Quasi Parish and was carved out of the St. Peter’s Parish, Kenyasi. The new quasi parish encompassed Wamahinso, Amomaso and Yawusukrom with Fr. Emmanuel Asante Wiredu as the first Rector of the new Quasi Parish. This memorable occasion was witnessed by Nana Agyei Twum Asafo-Akaa II and the queen mother, Nana Konamah Dampong. Presidents: Paul Kwayie, Nana G. C Badu, Nana Amankwaa, Maxwell Owusu Afiriyie, Nana Bonsu, George Boateng, Martin Agyenim, Agartha Agyei Kwarteng, Augustine Adu, Abraham Adjei and Mary Ampoma. Catechists: Joseph Aikins Boateng, Anthony Aziaku, John Kyereme, Margaret Sorte, Patricia Obiri Yeboah. Societies: Catholic Women Association, Choir, Christian Mothers Association, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus society, Youth Choir and St. Joseph.

Name of Parish: St Joseph
Location: Ntotroso
Name of Priest: Fr. Frederick Kwarteng Boakye - PP. Fr. Isaac Etwi-Gyamfi (In Residence)
Outstations: Gyedu, Kwakyekrom
Contacts:

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH – NTOTROSO

St. Joseph Catholic church was established by Opanin Gyan who gathered some people to meet as Catholics in 1922. Their number increased tremendously within two years. However, it collapsed in 1926 due to laws of the town which did not favour members of the Christian faith. The church was revived after five years under the leadership of Kwabena Appiah, Kofi Apomasu, Peter Boateng, Francis Fofie, Kwame Bonna, Afia Sarpong, Mary Pomaa, Owusu Ababio and Kwaku Amankwaa from Wamahinso who later on established a new church at Wamahinso. The first people to be baptized were John Forkuo and Elizabeth Achiaa.

St. Joseph Quasi Parish was carved out of Kenyasi Parish and officially inaugurated on 11^th August 2019. The first Pastor, Fr. Bernard Obeng Gyamfi was installed on 3^rd March, 2019 as a Rector. Fr. Michael Amponsah took over on 4^th November, 2021.Currently, Fr. Frederick Kwarteng Boakye is the parish priest.

The church has two mission churches namely; St. Michael Catholic Church, Gyedu and All Saints Catholic Church, Kwakyekrom. Presidents: Peter Boateng, Asante Ameyaw, Op. Kudjo, Mary Pomaa, Fredrick Fosu, Ntim Adjei Johnson and Inspector Boakye. Catechists: Kofi Donkor, Nana Adu Yeboah, Augustine Acheampong, Oscar Asamoah and Juliana Asante Ameyaw.

Name of Parish: Holy Spirit
Location: Hwidiem
Name of Priest: Frs. Matthew Kumi - PP., Loius Barnie Agyemang - Associate,  Rev. Msgr. Anthony Boahen Kyereme (In Residence)
Outstations: Amanfrom, Donkorkrom, Kwahu, Apenamadi, Bosikese.
Contacts: Box 87, Hwidiem

HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH – HWIDIEM

The church was established in 1945 as St. Anthony Catholic Church, The initial place of worship was Kwabena Amponsah’s house at Ahenboboano. The founding Members were Kwabena Amponsah, Akwasi Donkor, Kwadwo Amponsa, Akwasi Adjei, Abena Maanu, Kwame John, Afua Anane, Kwaku Ayeyie, Akosua Nyarko, Akwasi Marfo, Akwasi Oduro Benjamin, Owusu Nyamekye, Afua Nsowaa, and Kwadwo Amankwaa

Early Visiting Priests

The Priests who visited the station before the creation of the Parish were; Fr. Michael Nohilly SMA, Fr. Elisha O’shea, Fr. Augustine O’Driscol, Fr. Brian Traynor, Fr. Matthew Akwasi Gyamfi, Fr. John Nkrumah, Fr. Anthony Oppong Asamoah, Fr. Andrew Takyia, Fr. Anthony Amoako Amoabeng, Fr. Simon Gyansah Tabiri, Fr. Charles Gyasi Buabeng, Fr. Dominic Asuahene, Fr. Augustine Adjei Boakye, Fr. Paul Nimo Boampong, Fr. Theophilus Peprah Akyeampong.

The church started under Bechem Parish in the Diocese of Kumasi from the year 1945 – 1953 and later made part of Mim Parish from 1954 – 1972, and Kenyasi Parish under Sunyani Diocese from 1973 – 1998.

Presidents: Akwasi Donkor (1945 – 1983), Akwasi Adjei (1984 – 1989), Oti Boakye (1990 – 1995), Johnson Appiah (1996 – 2002),Charles Kyeremeh (2003 – 2008), Osei Bonsu (2009 – 2011), Joe Mensah(2012 – 2014), Charles Kyeremeh (2015 – 2017), John Kwakye Asamoah (2018) Catechists: Akwasi Marfo (1945 – 1965), Owusu Nyamekye (1966 – 2002), Augustine Kwarteng (2003 – 2008), Thomas Nyamekye (2003 – 2008), Peter Obeng Mireku (2009 – 2023) Emmanuel Osei Bonsu (2019)

The church lands were acquired by the founding members who bought the first one at Kwadaso community near (C.M.B Cocoa shed), and the second one at Ahen-Boboano near the Hospital. The third land was acquired at a later stage on the Goaso – Hwidiem road site where the current mission house is located during the time of Nana Osuodumgya Barimah Kwame Bonsu I, the then Omanhene of the Hwidiem Traditional area. The first church structure was constructed with timber boards and later changed to “Atakpame” building at Kwadaso community as more souls joined the church in 1956. The distance and the small nature of the building prompted the founders to put up another structure on the second plot at Ahen-Bobuano community near the Catholic Hospital in 1965. The station was officially carved out from Kenyasi to become a full parish in 2003 under Goaso Diocese with Fr. Anthony Boahen Kyeremeh as the first Parish Priest.

Catholic Schools: OLA Preparatory/JHS, Catholic Basic School, started in 1961, Nana Ataa Adwoa Agyeiwaa II Crèche.

Societies: Holy Spirit Choir, Christian Mother’s Association, Angelus Choir, Youth Association, Catholic Women Association, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Charismatic Renewal.

The singing group of the church started as singing band in 1965 under the leadership of Mr. Quashie and T.Y Annu later came to transform the band into a choir. Johnson Appiah took over from him followed by Charles Kyeremeh. A youth choir was started by Clement Badu Kyeremeh, a Seminarian (who is now a Priest) and was later assisted by Peter Obeng Mireku the catechist. Daniel Asante was appointed as the substantive youth choirmaster. The motive of the second choir was to bring together the youth in the church through singing.

The parish priests: Msgr. Anthony Boahen Kyeremeh, Fr. Israel Boadi, Fr. Stephen Gyau, Fr. Anthony Boateng Mensah, Fr. Benjamin Danso, Fr. Matthew Kumi and other Priests who worked in the Parish were Fr. Bernard Obeng Gyamfi, Fr. Charles Gyasi Buabeng, Fr. Anthony Awuah Boateng, Fr. Stephen Dabanka and Msgr. Benjamin Opoku Donkor.

Priest from the parish: Fr. Clement Badu Kyeremeh, a Diocesan Priest

The first parish president was Opoku Frimpong. He was succeeded by Simon Osei Bonsu and John Kwakye Asamoah.

Developments

The following are the projects in the parish: Nana Adwoa Ataa-Agyeiwaa II Crèche, church mission house project, documentation of church lands, expansion of church building project and St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital. The Hospital was dedicated to the glory of God by his Lordship James Kwadwo Owusu during the reign of Nana Osuodumgya Osabarima Kwame Bonsu I Omanhene of Hwidiem Traditional area, on 21^st October, 1993. The church mission house was built during the tenure of Fr. Anthony Boahen Kyeremeh in 1998. The name St. Anthony was changed to Holy Spirit Catholic church on Pentecost day in 1998. The expansion of the church building started during the time of Fr. Israel Atta Boadi, later with Fr. Anthony Boateng Mensah and Benjamin Danso. The church building is about to take its new shape under the parish priest Fr. Mathew Kumi. The mission churches in the parish include; St. Michael Church - Apenamadi, St. John Church - Amanfrom, St. Peter’s Church - Kwahu No. II, St. Augustine Church - Donkorkrom, St. Anthony’s Church - Subiriso, St. Augustine Church - Bosukese.

Name of Parish: St. Joseph
Location: Acherensua
Name of Priest: Fr. Nicholas Afriyie
Outstations: Konkontireso
Contacts: Box 46, Acherensua

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH – ACHERENSUA

St. Joseph's Catholic Church was founded in 1930 by Kwaku Amabre and Francis Anane who had travelled from Kumasi to farm at Acherensua in 1927. Kwame Boateng and John Nantee helped in early church education and the result was that many were enrolled as members. The first church building made of bamboo, collapsed after a few years and for three years the church had no place for worship. Revival of the church took place in 1939 with the help of priests from Bechem. The church members decided to put up another building and a site was donated by Kwaku Atuahene. It was made of mud and roofed with raffia leaves popularly known as 'daha'. Unfortunately, this church building also collapsed during a rainstorm. The chief of Acherensua, Nana Akwasi Kontor gave the present site for the construction of a new building. Members contributed voluntarily to put up the present chapel. Acherensua St. Joseph's Catholic Church had been under Bechem, Tepa and Kenyasi parishes since its establishment. Fr. Joseph Mulders was the first Missionary Priest to visit Acherensua and Mr. Anto was the first catechist to visit the station. The church came under the newly created Tepa Parish during Fr. Matthew Kwasi Adjaye tenure as the parish priest. In 1972, the church choir was started with James Badu as the choir president and Osei Ankoma the choir master. The first choir robes were dedicated in 1974. In 1976, Acherensua was moved from Tepa Parish at the time of Fr. Vincent Murphy to Kenyasi during the time of Fr. Elisha O'Shea SMA, as the Parish Priest. The first church president was Dominic Kontor and Atta Gyamfi served as the second catechist. The church was elevated to a parish status in 2004. There is only one outstation church at Konkontireso.

Parish Priests: Fr. Bernard Obeng Gyamfi, Fr. Stephen Dabanka, Fr. Stephen Gyau, Fr. Isaac Boansi, Fr. Isaac Etwi Gyamfi and Fr. Nicholas Afriyie.

Societies: Catholic Women Association, Christian Mothers Association, Choir, Youth, Charismatic, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus and Sacred Heart Confratenity.

Name of Parish : St. Francis of Assisi

Location: Dadiesoaba
Name of Priest: Rev. Fr. Jacob Owusu Bempah, sP.
Outstations: Mehame, Sienchem, Twabidi I, Akotosu, Manhyia, Nsumama.

Contact: Box 28, Goaso

ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH - DADIESOABA.

Year of establishment: 1935

Founding Members: Opanin Sraha, Peter Yaw Manu, Kwame Nsiah, Kwame Bosomprah Kabunya, Kofi Kobi, Michael Mensah, Kofi Boateng, Adwoa Kesewaa, John Kwasi Kontor, Mary Pokuaa, Anthony Yaw Barnie, Francis Yaw Budwa. Kwame Nsiah’s house was first used for church service. Church presidents: Opanin Sraha, Simon Ankamah, Koo Num, Gabriel Aryeh, Gabriel Ansu, Paulina Addai, Augustine Forkuo, J. F. Danquah, Awuah Abu, Isaac Gyapong, Collins Kyeremeh. Catechists: Akwasi Dormaa, Abraham Fordjour, Collins Fordjour, Thomas Opoku. Societies: CWA, Choir, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Charismatic Renewal, Youth

The current parish priest is Rev. Fr. Jacob Owusu Bempah, sP.

Church Bell attendants: Kwaku Aworna, Thomas Mensah, Joseph Ampofo and Kwaku Fokuo

Name of Parish: St. Francis of Assisi
Location: Kenyasi I
Name of Priest: Fr. Ernest Ntiamoah(Rector)

Outstations: Obengkrom,Bogyampa
Contacts: 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH, KENYASI I

The church was founded by Mr. Ankrah, a Fante from Cape Coast and residing at Dwinyama in 1920 with some leaders from Kenyasi I and II as a joint church. It was located at where the two towns share boundary and was named St. Peter Catholic Church Kenyasi. Four years later, as the church increased in number it became necessary to separate the two churches. Therefore, in 1924, the leaders established the church in Kenyasi I and maintained the name St. Peter as that of Kenyasi II. However, on 1^st January 2019, the church at Kenyasi I changed its name from St. Peter to St. Francis of Assisi to differentiate the church from the main Parish center which has St Peter as its patron saint.

Initially they were worshiping in Thomas Kwaku Owusu’s house and he was the first to serve as a local catechist with Opanin Amatwa as president and Kwabena Ansere the vice. In those days, the members were mostly worshipping gods especially the natives of Kenyasi I and some of the members secretly got enrolled into the Catholic Church. Thomas Kwaku Owusu, one of the new converts, who became the first catechist, was confronted by the leaders of the “Obour” shrine to answer why he had left behind their god and have been enrolled into the Catholic Church. Filled with the power of the living God he told them point blank that “the Obour god was just a mere clay with no powers like the Almighty God” This statement was seen to be insulting and disrespecting to the chief and elders of the town so he was sent to police cells at Goaso by the command of the Odikro and his elders. Through the intervension of the then District Commissioner and the Clerk, Osei Mensah, he was released back to Kenyasi I to continue with his worship.

In 1928, the church in Kenyasi I was fully established at the place where the present building is situated. The first chapel was built with palm branches. The founding members were: Opanin Amatwa, Yaw Fosu, Kwadwo Fordjour, Kwabena Ansere, Kwasi Opoku, Kojo Buachie, Thomas Kwaku Owusu, Maame Ama Yentumi, Kwame Dapaa, Adwoa Akopoh, Akosua Adutwumwaa, Akua Manu and Akua Daama.

In 1931, the first church building was constructed. The then president came up with the idea of building a new chapel because the current one was too small to accommodate the members.

The first Priest who visited the church in Kenyasi I was Fr. Rothoff, a Dutch residing in Kumasi and was accommodated in Kwaku Owusu’s house. Fr. Rothoff worked so hard to improve the growth of the churches within his jurisdiction. He visited the churches on bicycles and sometimes on foot. After two days stay with the people, he would continue to Goaso and Mim as the numbers increased. Since the visiting Priests were whites, the leaders went to Kenyasi II and asked Edward A Gandhi to come and stay at Kenyasi I as the interpreter. He was given a wife by one of the church leaders which made him stay permanently. He was appointed as a Catechist and Gabriel Addai was his assistant.

A new building for worship was started in 1965 when Kwabena Ansere was the president. A.A Addai, Gabriel Addai and Dominic K. Yeboah helped the church to acquire a land for the building. The site and the building plans prepared from Techiman were financed by them. The leaders at that moment were Kwabena Ansere, Paul Agyapong, Gabriel Addai, Charles Chiddy, Yaw Dwene, Obaapanin Mary Serwaa Mmere, Mary Ago, Ama Nfum and Adwoa Serwaa.

The building of the new and a more spacious chapel was financed by Thomas Kwaku Owusu, Kwabena Ansere and Akwasi Opoku. Kwaku Oteng a mason, worked on the building free of charge. They built up to the window level and the unfortunate incident occured when Thomas Kwaku Owusu’s wife became ill. She was sent to a Pentecost church for treatment and remained converts to the Church of Pentecost. This affected the building of the church financially. Shortly after, Akwasi Opoku also died. Later on, Kwabena Ansere also died (probably out of sorrow) and the mason, Kwaku Oteng became very ill for about three years and died within the period and this broke down the financial arms of the church. In 1974, the building’s progress became stagnant and the catechist was using the place for farming in order to keep it strong all the time till the opportune time. The youth decided to make a shed in the uncompleted building so that they would move from the small building into it but the catechist and some of the leaders opposed them. Disregarding their opposition, the youth raised the shed and the catechist left his office and the church because according to him the youth had disobeyed his orders. Nicholas Osei Mensah who was the Choirmaster was appointed to replace him in 1985.

Fr. Anthony Kelly took over from Fr. Elisha O’shea as a caretaker priest and promised to complete the building but by changing the original plan. Therefore, the front elevation and the sacristy were removed but the actual work started during the time of Fr. Brian Traynor, SMA and was completed during the tenure of Fr. John K. Nkrumah in 1993. Kwasi Poku donated cement, lumber and blocks for the construction of the chapel. Hon. Paul Oko, former N.P.P Member of Parliament financed the cost of about three thousand building blocks.

A mission house is under construction near the Catholic Basic School. Daniel Owusu and Kwame Joseph who are masons had really helped in the construction of the mission house. James Nsiah Boakye, the Church President financed the construction of all the pillars in the mission house and also helped in procuring the Combo machine for the church.

The Church choir was started by Mr. Anokye from Kenyasi II, Gabriel Coffie, Antwi Addai, Adjei Joseph, Ofori Emmanuel, Innocent Nutekple and Regina Bonsu has all helped as choirmasters and mistress respectively. Samuel Boadi, the church Secretary and his wife Comfort Boadi, a Catechist are doing very well to raise the image of the church.

Presidents:Opanin Amatwa, Kwabena Ansere, Thomas Owusu, Akwasi Poku Francis, Paul Agyapong, Anna Adjei, Joseph Adjei, Emmanuel Nkrumah, Emmanuel Tabi Amponsah, F.Y Quarshie, James Nsiah Boakye. Catechists: Thomas Kwaku Owusu, Gabriel Addai, E.A.A Ghandi, Nicholas Osei Mensah, Evans Mensah, James Nsiah Boakye, Theresah Oteng, Comfort Boadi, Matthew Gyamfi. Societies; Church Choir, Catholic Women Association, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Christian Mothers Association