- Our Lady of Apostles (OLA)
OLA CONVENT, KENYASI
The history of the presence of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, (OLA Sisters) started when the first group of sisters arrived in Kenyasi on 23rd September, 1974 at the invitation of Bishop James Kwadwo Owusu of Sunyani Diocese. The Chief of Kenyasi No. 2 Traditional area, Odeneho Nsiah Ababio had the vision of getting an all-Girls Secondary School in his kingdom to educate them. To ensure that his dream became fulfilled, Nana approached the Bishop of the then Sunyani diocese for help. He advised him to meet the OLA Sisters in OLA Training College at Cape Coast. Therefore, the chief’s brother Anthony Adu Lash and Fr. Elisha O’Shea SMA, went to Cape Coast to appeal for sisters who gladly welcomed the idea.
Sr. Verona Gilmore, Sr. Bernadine Beirne, Sr. Imelda Hurley and Sr. Madeleine Sophie Korsah arrived at Kenyasi in the Vroomdorp community bus to begin the new foundation of OLA Girls’ Secondary School. On arrival at the parish to visit Fr. Elisha O’Shea SMA, they learnt that the house in which they were to live in Kenyasi was not ready. Sr. Madeleine Sophie Korsah, one of the early Ghanaian OLA Sisters accompanied them to serve as their Interpreter. After the sisters had rested, Fr. O’Shea took them to the school site. In spite of these initial challenges, the Sisters were determined to be at home in Kenyasi. On the 26th of September, 1974, they moved into their new “Convent” which was actually the house for the Parish Priest. This was a new house in which the Parish Priest himself had not even lived in for a day. They were told the convent was supposed to be built during the year and the Sisters wondered if this could be possible,.
On 28th September, 1974, the people of Kenyasi No. 2 proceeded to the “Convent” after morning prayers to greet the Sisters by shaking their hands and embracing them with great pride. The next day, the people visited again and went through the house opening all doors and rejoicing in the great effort they had put into building a house for Fr. O’Shea. The Sisters plunged themselves into working to get the school started immediately. On 6th March, 1975, the OLA Sisters moved into the current convent built for them by the chief and the community. On 28th September, 1976, the Sisters moved into the new school sited on the current compound.
Some of the OLA sisters who stayed in the community were: Sisters. Imelda Hurley, Madeliene Sophie Korsah, Bernadine Beirne, Verona Gilmore, Kathleen Sweeny, Loreta McCarthy, Mary Rita O’Mahony, Peggy Amankoandoh, Regina Opoku, Comfort Afedzi, Felicia Harry, Bernadette Kofitse, Perpetua Acquah, Elizabeth Amoako Arhin, Magdalene Bonsu, Georgina Quayson, Benedicta Mante, Faustina Anakwa, Bernedicta Asomontsi, Faustina Annan, Dora Wilberforce, Nadine Konan, Elizabeth Acheampong, Florence Kaitoo, Alberta Blay, Juliet Kyaano, Salome Soubega, Dianne Audrey Rema, Claudine Lantonkpode, Chantal Koussa, Theresa Anima Kusi and Denise Gbetoho.
As at the year 2022, the sisters in the community are Sisters Antoinette Abiwu, Sarah Korkor and Béatrice Amekuse. The sisters are full time teaching staff in the school. They also involve in the teaching of Catechism, home visitations and pastoral activities as well.
OLA Convent, Box 58, Kenyasi.
Srs. Antoinette Fatia Abiwu (Sup.), Sarah Korkor, Elizebeth Bemmah Osei, Fulbert Agbolosu,
Doris Ntiamoah
OLA CONVENT - HWIDIEM
In 1981, the then Bishop of Sunyani, Most Rev. James Kwadwo Owusu invited the Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Apostles (OLA) to take over the Administration of St. Elisabeth hospital, Hwidiem. The Congregation finally took over the hospital on 28th January, 1984 when Sr. Bernadette McCarthy arrived at Hwidiem to begin a new community after ten years presence of OLA Sisters in the diocese at Kenyasi. Later Srs. Philomena Mulighan, Virginia Queen Edoche, Lucy Dumenu and Wilhelmina Mensah joined the community to work at the hospital. Over the years, other sisters have lived and worked in the community either at the hospital or at the preparatory school;
Hospital: Sr. Perpetua C. Acquah (1985-1989), Sr. Elizabeth Ampedu (1987 – 1994), Sr. Antoinette Abiwu (1987 – 1988), Sr. Faustina Anakwa (1994 -2002), Sr. Anastasia Okyere (2008 – 2018), Sr. Felicity Gbaguidi (2010 -2012), Sr. Belinda Narkey (2016-2022), Linda Werekowaa ( ), Sr. Comfort Apedzi (2014 – 2022), Sr. Georgina L. Quayson (2022)
School: Sr. Juliana Pokuaa (1998 – 2005), Sr. Rosina Fosu Ntiwaa (1988 – 2014), Sr. Elizabeth Sarpey Sr. Elizabeth Sarpey Sr. Elizabeth Sarpey (1988 – 1990), Dora Wilberforce (1991 -1996), Sr. Monica Appiah (1996 – 2000), Sr. Georgina Quayson (1997 -1998), Sr. Janet Nutakor (1998 – 2002), Sr. Doris Benneh Gyan (2002 – 2004), Sr. Antoinette Abiwu (2001 – 2005), Sr. Faustina Annan (2005 – 2007), Sr. Mary Amoako (2005 – 2007), Sr. Juliana Fayid (2005 – 2007), Sr. Theresa Anima Kusi (2007 – 2011), Sr. Cyria Asomaning (2008 – 2020), Sr. Josephine Aboagye (2011 -2013), Sr. Elizabeth Bemmah Osei (2013 -2019), Sr. Christiana Pania (2013 -2015), Sr. Jacqualine Othman (2015-2017), Sr. Huguette Didia Sr. Huguette Didia (2017 – 2019), Sr. Carole Zannou (2019 – 2021)
OLA Convent, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Box 4, Hwidiem.
Srs. Georgina Quayson (Sup), Monica Appiah, Faustina Annan, Cecilia Coleman (Student), Florence Kaitoo, Georgina Aggrey.
OLA CONVENT, DUAYAW NKWANTA
In 2002, the Bishop of the Diocese of Goaso, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene invited the OLA Sisters to take over the administration of St John of God hospital. On the 10th of August, 2002, the administration of the St. John of God Hospital, Duayaw Nkwanta was officially handed over by the Bishop of Goaso Diocese to Sr. Mary Connaughton who was then one of the counsellors of the Province Leadership Team. On that same day, the OLA convent was opened, and some sisters slept at the bungalow given as their residence. Sr. Bernadette. D. McCarthy, the then administrator of St. Elizabeth hospital, Hwidiem became the Administrator for St. John of God, Duayaw Nkwanta until 9th December 2002 when she handed over to Sr. Comfort M. Apedzi.
Sr. Comfort Apedzi came to the community with Sr. Faustina Anakwa on 9th December, 2002 and Sr. Anastasia Okyere joined the community on 2nd January, 2003 to form the three-member community for the new apostolate. Other sisters who lived in the community were: Srs. Cecilia Amissah, Elizabeth Acheampong, Lydia Nyarko Yeboah, Belinda Narkey, Theresa Anima Kusi, Felicity Gbaguidi, Claudine Lantonkpde and Natalie Kabore, Rosina Fosu Ntiwaa, Grace Gbaguidi, Vivian Dore, Anastasia Okyere.
OLA Convent, St. John of God Hospital, Box 24, Duayaw Nkwanta.
Srs. Mabel Dimake (Sup), Theresa Owusu-Afriyie, Phyllis Opoku, Faustina Anakwa, Rejoice Kumah, Desiree Mandjiga
QUEEN OF APOSTLES CONVENT – TECHIMANTIA
In 2012, Most Rev Peter Kwaku Atuahene gave Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA Sisters) a parcel of land at Techimantia. In 2014, the construction of the school began and first phase of the building was completed in 2022.
On 14th February, 2022, the school was opened with three Sisters: Theresa Anima Kusi, Monica Impraiam and Nadine Fleuida Samey. Later in April, Sr. Bridget Okonye joined the community. It was officially opened and blessed on the Feast of Queen of Apostles, 4th June, 2022 by Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene. In attendance were Odeefour Ampong Kormanteng II, Regent, Techimantia Traditional area, Sacred Heart parishioners, parents and other invited guests.
OLA Covent, Techimantia
Srs. Theresa Robberts (Sup), Bridget Okonye, Monica Impraim, Nadine Samey
OLA CONVENT, MIM
Fr. Elisha O’Shea, SMA, the Parish Priest of Mim at that time, built and furnished a convent for OLA sisters. In 1998, Sisters Juliana Pokuaa and Margaret Mary Amaquandah (Popularly known as Sr. Peggy) were sent to Mim to begin evangelisation. That same year, Sr. Beatrice Hammond joined the community. The following year, 1990, Sr. Marie Stella Afaneah also joined the community. The initial plan was to take over a private school the parish had started. Unfortunately, this did not materialize because the catechist, who was in-charge, was not ready to hand over to the sisters and so they taught in the public RC school and did catechetical work in the parish.
The sisters were also involved in other apostolate in Mim Secondary School. Apart from Fr. O’Shea, the Sisters worked with Fr. Brian Traynor, SMA, Fr. Paul Nimo Boampong, (alias Fr. Koo-Nimo) and Fr. Charles Gyasi Buabeng. In 1995, due to lack of personnel, the OLA Sisters closed down Mim convent and later the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) Sisters took over.
2. Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM)
THE RELIGIOUS OF THE VIRGIN MARY (RVM)
The year 1980 can be remembered as the beginning of the missionary fervor of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (R.V.M.) of the Philippines in Africa. Through the invitation of the Bishop James Kwadwo Owusu, the RVM established her first mission on 13th May, 1980 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at Wenchi in the Diocese of Sunyani, Ghana. Thus, in Wenchi, Sunyani and Nkoranza, the Sisters carried out various missionary activities in the area of Hospital Administration, Pharmacy, Family Life Apostolate, Vocational Education, Secretarial work and Pastoral Ministry. The pioneer RVM missionaries in Ghana were: Sisters Maria Teresita Cantos, Maria Auxilium Saile, Maria Therecilla Dompor and Maria Matilde Omandac.
In 1998, with the creation of the Diocese of Goaso out of Kumasi and Sunyani Dioceses, Bishop Peter Kwaku Atuahene invited the RVM Sisters to manage St. Vincent School at Bechem. Fr. Joseph Badu Ameyaw, the then Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bechem, welcomed the first two Sisters Maria Evangelina Negrosa as Headmistress and S. Maria Josefina Cabrera as Bursar on 30th September, 1998. They resumed administration of the school on 5th October, 1998. Since then, the following Sisters have been assigned in the ministry and community: Sisters Maria Vidalina Cabeltes, Maria Lourdes Maraganas, Maria Evangelina Dorol, Maria Nelia Gura, Maria Lydia Sarpong, Maria Rose Mary Dadi, Maria Justine Dameshie, Maria Juliet Cenas, Maria Cynthia Ameyka, Maria Benedette Yob, Maria Gloria Mwaakpaar and Maria Margaret Anima Opoku, Maria Helen Soliven.
Anticipating more vocations, the RVM Formation house was constructed in Abuom, Duayaw Nkwanta and inaugurated on 2nd March, 2002 by Bishop Peter Atuahene and was assisted by Bishop Vincent Boi-Naa of Yendi Diocese. The occasion was witnessed by the RVM’s led by the Superior General, Mother Maria Clarita Balleque, the District Superior, S. Maria Vidalina Cabeltes, the clergy and other religious congregations. On 3rd March, 2002, S. Maria Justine Dameshie was accepted to Postulancy and on 4th March, 2002, the first RVM temporal profession took place in Ghana with S. Maria Benedette Yob pronouncing her vows in the newly inaugurated formation house. Since then, all religious profession of vows for RVM Ghanaian Sisters are held there. Sisters who have been assigned in the community at Abuom were: Sisters Maria Elisa Lavarias, Maria Marcelina Beti, Maria Rose Eroy, Maria Editha Roa, Maria Carmela Conol, Paulette Maria Goretti Ankrah, Rose Mary Dadi, Maria Teresita Aspril, Maria Teresita Francia, Maria Nelia Gura, Maria Justine Dameshie, Maria Lydia Sarpong, Maria Veronica Peprah, Maria Isobel Banga, Maria Reza Lorion, Maria Juliet Amponsah Awuah.
In 2008, the RVM community in the Diocese expanded their presence to Goaso Township. Three Sisters - Maria Betty Japung, Maria Carmela Conol and Maria Benedette Yob were assigned to administer and manage Henry Hugging Memorial School and the Diocesan Pastoral and Social Centre. S. Maria Evangeline Dorol later followed to work as a Catholic Secretariat Staff at the Bishop’s office. Since then, other Sisters who have been assigned in the community were: Sisters Mary Magdalene Kwofie, Maria Isobel Banga, Maria Gloria Mwaakpaar, Maria Cynthia Ameyka, Maria Veronica Peprah, Maria Juliet Kolog, Maria Lydia Baiden, Maria Dennisia Donkor, Maria Helen Soliven and at present, Maria Mercedes Yanez, Maria Josefina Cabrera and Rose Mary Dadi.
From 2011, the missionary spirit of the Sisters continues to burn strongly even in the midst of challenges. The strength of the mission is evidenced in the establishment of two RVM owned schools – Mother Ignacia Basic School and Mother Ignacia Vocational Technical School in October 2011 at Goaso. The basic school has grown up to Junior High School level while the Vocational Technical school was affected by the Ghana Government Educational policy of Free Secondary Education with a drop in enrollment and thus was turned into a skills training center for women from the local communities within Goaso. Sisters who have been assigned in this community were: Sisters Paulette Maria Goretti Ankrah, Maria Juliet Cenas, Maria Cynthia Ameyka, Maria Benedette Yob, Maria Reza Lorion, Maria Veronica Peprah, Maria Isobel Banga, Maria Lydia Baiden, Maria Margaret Animah Opoku, Maria Fe Gerodias, Maria Dennisia Donkor, Rose Mary Dadi, Maria Callista Ugwu and Maria Francisca Romana Yasmini.
R.V.M Convent, Box 176, Bechem.
Srs. Ma. Dennisia Donkor, Ma. Gloria Prempeh
R.V.M Formation House (Abuom), Box 84, Duayaw Nkwanta
Sr. Ma. Lydia Sarpong, Ma. Josefina Cabrera, Ma. Esther Darkowaah Duah, Ma. Dominica Silaa,
Clara Aduala Windhood, Veronica Ampeyin
R.V.M Convent, Pastoral Centre, Goaso.
Srs. Mary Magdalene Kwofie (Sup.), Ma. Callista Ugwu, Margeret Opoku Animah
R.V.M: Mother Ignacia Convent, Goaso.
Srs Ma. Benedette Yob (Sup.), Ma. Isobel Banga Ma. Petronela Muda
3. Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M)
IMMACULATE HEART POSTULATE DWINYAMA, GHANA
The community of the Immaculate Heart Postulate, Dwinyama is a brain child of the Immaculate Heart Novitiate community of Ejisu-Beseasi of the Archdiocese of Kumasi which started in the 1980s. Both the Novitiate and the Postulancy formation were centered in the same house. On 25th April, 1992, the postulancy became autonomous and it was separated from the novitiate community. It was transferred to Dwinyama. It has been relocated from the old mission grounds to its present place, close to the new mission site. At present it is geographically situated in the Diocese of Goaso carved out from the Archdiocese of Kumasi.
On 25th April, 1992, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ Postulancy was officially opened by Most Rev. Peter K. Sarpong of the Diocese of Kumasi, during the reign of Mother Mary Dominica Odita, the Superior General of the congregation. It was located in the old parish house of St. Anthony's Parish Dwinyama, under the leadership of Sr. Mary Celestine Nwogu. Fr Edward Scott was the parish priest at that time. Sr. Mary Celestine lived there with the first group of the Postulants with whom she came down from Ejisu-Beseasi. They lived there for three full years and on the 15th April, 1995 the community was transferred to its permanent place, at the new Mission site. The present Postulate community in its permanent site commenced on the 15th April, 1995 with Sr. Mary Celestine Nwogu as the Postulants Directress as well as the Superior of the house. The community till date is enjoying the fruits of Sr. Mary Celestine's labour. She planted a lot of palm trees and oranges and avocado trees that are still sustaining the community.
In 1996, the mantle of leadership of the community fell in the hands of Sr. Mary George Boakye Dankwa who carried on till 2003 when she handed over to Sr. Maria Philipeen Osei Wusu, 2003 to 2011. She artistically gave the community an aesthetic beauty by decorating the entrance with flowers on both sides and the walls. It was during her period in office that the community got its land documentation. Sr. Maureen Goretti Nabutola succeeded Sr. Maria Philipeen Osei Wusu in 2011. It was during her time in office on 15th August, the solemnity of Assumption 2014 that the Postulancy formation recommenced after about five years of break. A new set of postulants (six in number) with their Mistress, Sr. Miriam Agatha Ikpa were officially constituted to commence the Postulancy formation in Ghana. They arrived at the community from Nigeria on 14th August in the company of the congregational Vicar General and the Councillor in charge of formation. The commencement was officiated by Sr. Maria Philipeen Osei Wusu, the General Councilor in charge of formation together with Sr. Mary Agnita Maduka, the Vicar General of the Institute with Fr. Daniel Afum, the parish priest and the officiating priest. The Regional Superior, Sr. Mary Denis Adu-Birago was also present with other sisters.
Sr. Miriam Agatha Ikpa was appointed the Superior of the community in August, 2016. The community has undergone some series of renovations since its inception. The community has a bore hole. Attached to the community are two Regional projects: St. Paschal altar bread run and managed by Sr. Maureen Goretti Nabutola and a poultry farm by Sr. Maria Chigemezu Igbokwe and also small piggery farm for community project. The Region through the instruments of its projects especially St. Paschal altar bread has been of great help for the up keep and the walling of the compound.
I.H.M Postulate, Box 29, Dwinyama
Srs. Maureen Goretti Nabutola (Sup.), M. John Bibian Ebere, Maria Chekwube Chukwu, Miriam Ruth Nwosu
I.H.M Convent, Box 29, Dwinyama
Srs. Steve Mariette (Sup), Mary Nuela Cordis, Magdalene Mariette.
4. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (H.H.C.J)
HANDMAIDS OF THE HOLY CHILD JESUS IN GOASO DIOCESE – MIM COMMUNITY.
In 1999, the Catholic Bishop of Goaso diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene invited the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Sisters (HHCJ) to come and work in the Catholic Diocese of Goaso specifically to take over the administration of St. James preparatory school at Mim. In response to the bishop’s invitation, the then provincial superior of the HHCJ Ghana Province, Sr. Elizabeth Anderson assigned Sr. Lucy Sarfoaa Manu to Mim. On 6th September, 1999, Sr. Lucy arrived at Mim with the following sisters: Sr. Elizabeth Anderson (Provincial Superior) Sr. Victoria Takyi-Nyarko; Sr. Rosemond Fiadjoe (Provincial Counsellors) and Sr. Josephine Agboso, who were officially welcomed by the bishop and the necessary ceremony was performed in the presence of the parish priest, assistant parish priest and the lay faithful.
Sr. Elizabeth Anderson (the provincial Superior) stayed with Sr. Lucy Safoaa Manu and Sr. Theresa Afia joined later.
Project/contract
The sisters were invited to the diocese to help in the field of:
(a) Education (b) Medical (c) Pastoral
Initial and current apostolate
On arrival, the Sisters were charged to manage the St. James Preparatory/Junior High School. St. James was established on October 12, 1992 by Fr. Brian Traynor (SMA), the then Parish Priest and the men’s fellowship of Mim Catholic Church which later on became a diocesan School.
The first Sister, Sr. Lucy Sarfoaa Manu who came to Mim Community as a newly trained teacher and had to serve the government for four years started teaching at the government Roman Catholic Primary School, Mim.
On 5th October, 1999 the St. James School was officially handed over to the HHCJ Sisters. Sr. Lucy became the first headmistress and was also teaching in the government school at the same time. When Sr. Lucy left for studies in USA on the 7th of August, 2004, Sr. Dorothy Honny became the next headmistress. She worked as Headmistress for two years and was transferred. On 30th September, 2006. Sr. Agnes Ackah – Mensah was asked to head the school. Before her appointment, Sr Agnes was teaching at Roman Catholic J.S. S together with Sr. Bridget Mwingyine who taught at the School for five years. The rest of the Sisters have lived in this Community as teachers and bursars of the School except Sr. Afia.
Primary and on – going evangelization
The establishment of Youth Choir which sings every Sunday during first Mass. Teaching of catechism, going to outstations with priests and also help priests to distribute holy communion and home visitation.
The sisters who have lived in the community: Sr. Lucy sarfoaa Manu (6th Sept 1999- 7th August, 2004), Sr. Theresa Bartholomew Afia (9th Oct 1999-25th Oct, 1999), Sr. Bridget Mwingyine (17th Jan, 2000-15th Feb, 2005), Sr. Dorothy Ejim (Sept. 2003-11th Sep, 2006), Sr. Marry Dorothy Honny (1st Sept, 2004-5th Dec, 2006), Sr. Agnes Ackah – Mensah (11th Sept,2005-15th Dec,2017), Sr. Edith Kuupan (12th Jan, 2006-21st Sept, 2006), Sr. Grace Utsu (20th Sept, 2006-5th Oct,2007), Sr. Catherine Danso Sefah (12th June, 2007-2009), Sr. Blessing Abang (23rd Oct, 2007-23rd February ,2010), Sr. Perpetua Osei-Wusu (31st Oct,2008-6th Feb,2019), Sr. Immaculata Egwim (18th Jan,2010) Sr. Stella Egbu (9th Oct,2010-8th Jan,2016), SR. Sabina Daanoba (29th Oct,2010 - 20th Sept,2019), Sr. Judith Nnuekwe (9th Oct,2014), Sr. Rose Natu (20th Jan,2015- 9th Sept,2015), Sr. Paula Bangliebo (8th Nov,2015-31st Jan,2021), Sr. Elizabeth Mwangangi (9th Sept,2016-10th Aug ,2018), Sr. Catherine Danso Sefah (7th March,2017-3rd Feb,2021), Sr. Blessing Abang (6th Jan,2021), Sr. Dorcas Kyere (22nd March, 2021)
Names of novices who had lived in Mim community: . Margaret Mary Osuji (1st October, 1999), Christian Akoeso (20th October, 2000), Calista Ebe (19th September, 2001), Paula Banglieb (2000), Marion Arrey (7th November, 2003), Elizabeth Uriah (14th October,2004), . Theresah Mmelisi (15th October, 2005), Anthonia Nwakire (20th September, 2006), Margaret Mary Nwaogu (20th September, 2007), Vida Derry (24th September,2008), Sr. Hellen (29th September,2009)
The impact of the presence of HHC Sisters in Goaso Diocese (particularly at Mim parish)
1. The Sisters started the junior choir at Mim local church and the choir has become the main
singing group for first Mass on Sundays.
2. The Sisters are providing holistic education to the community. love and service, had been inculcated into the student’s life that has positively influence in their way of reasoning.
3 Due to proper supervision by the Sisters, the school has been scoring high marks in BECE
4. The Sisters have been serving as counsellors to some women in the community.
5. The Sisters also visit the sick at home with the priests.
The expansion of the HHCJ Sisters in the Diocese
Due to the cordial relation the Sisters have in the diocese, a school have been established at Tepa which is within the same diocese. On the 5th September, 2014, Sister Mary Louisa Bediako-Asare arrived at Tepa to begin a new community.
H.H.C. J Convent, Box 3, Mim.
Srs. Blessing Abang, Catherine Acquah, Dorcas Kyere, Thelma Fynn
H.H.C.J Convent, Box Tepa.
Srs. Mary Louisa Bediako Asare (Sup), Eugenia Mensah, Catherine Danso Sefah, Conceptor Lumwachi
5. Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny (SJC)
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CLUNY IN GHANA
The foundress, Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey was the first woman missionary who travelled to Mana (South America) and to the African continent. The then Governor of the French colonies, McCarthy invited Anne Marie to establish schools and hospitals and to take care of orphans. Consequently, she came to Senegal, Sierra Leone and the Gambia. The Governor, McCarthy wanted Anne Marie to come to Ghana to see the possibilities of her foundation. Unfortunately, he was killed in the war when he came to Ghana. This created an obstacle for our foundress to come to Ghana. Anne Marie died in 1851. About 139 years after her death, the Superior General wished to bring Anne Marie’s vision to reality. Together with the support of Fr. Declan Dorr, the then Novice master of the Spiritans in ‘Ejisu’ he encouraged them to negotiate with Bishop Peter K. Sarpong, to commence the foundation in Ghana.
In response to the invitation by Bishop Sarpong, the Superior General sent Sr. Rosaline Cota, one of the General Counselors from Paris, together with our then provincial, Sr. Anne Marie Brennan, to Kumasi. Bishop Sarpong was very much delighted and he took them round to all the corners of his diocese. Some of the places they visited were Jacobu in Obuasi, Abira, Dwinyama, Bekwai, Mankranso, Kunsu, Wioso and Domeabra. He explained to them the meaning of Domeabra (if you love me, come), the sisters really fell in love with this place and came to establish the first foundation at Domeabra. The mission house was refurbished and given to the sisters for accommodation.
The pioneers of this foundation namely, Sr. Maria Murphy (Irish), Sr. Jeanne Therese (Gambian), Sr. Philomena Joseph (Indian) and Sr. Josephine Kamanda (Sierra Leonean) together with the Provincial Sr. Philomena Barry landed in Accra on 17th September, 1990 and reached Domeabra on 20th September, 1990. The day to day living in Domeabra was not easy. There were many challenges at the beginning: no proper roads, no electricity, no running water, plenty of mosquitoes and reptiles.
The Sisters’ main focus was education and health care and so the teachers among them went to the R/C Primary and the D/A JHS to teach while the nurse helped at the clinic. The clinic operated in somebody’s house, there was no proper facility at that time. Their presence in the schools as well as in the clinic made a deep impact in the area. As a matter of fact, many of the youth in this area have benefited from charitable works in furthering their education as well as medical treatment in and outside Domeabra.
During this period, the rate of infant mortality was very high. The infant had to be carried to the farms where their mothers worked. Exposing them to the mercy of excruciating weather conditions, they fell sick and many of them died. To find a solution to this acute problem, a ‘Day Care Center’ was opened under the patronage of Anne Marie Javouhey, the foundress. Now, the rate of infant mortality has considerably reduced.
In the fourth year of presence of the Sisters, other avenues were explored to expand their mission to other areas. Two of the sisters left Domeabra and preparation began to open a second foundation in Ahinsan Estates, Kumasi. During this preparation, the sisters lived in an apartment in ‘Abingey Palace’ which was rented. The Bishop of Kumasi asked the Cluny Sisters to take charge of the Good Shepherd School. In spite of all, this school has become one of the best schools in the metropolis.
In response to the request of the chief and elders of Domeabra, a private basic school was started under the patronage of St. Joseph in 2001. St. Joseph School has grown and has become one of the good schools in the district.
The founder, Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, had a deep love for the African church. She encouraged many African men to become Priests and even sent them to the seminaries in France. She knew very well that the church would not grow without local vocations. Keeping this in mind, the sisters invited the young women to come and see their way of life and some of them decided to stay on. ‘’The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few’’ due to lack of personnel in the field of health care in Domeabra. The Sisters had to forgo their work in the health sector and handed the facility to the Sisters of St. Louis. Besides all these, the sisters are also involved in the pastoral activities of the local church.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny Convent (Domeabra), C/o Box 652, KNUST, Kumasi.
Srs. Margaret Nelleakunnel, Francisca Akogo, Gertrude Mensah, Vivian Aduni, Barbra Kunangtum, Grace Owusu
6. Sisters of St. Louis (SSL)
SISTERS OF ST LOUIS, COLUMBANUS COMMUNITY, DOMEABRA
Columbanus Community which is one of the communities in the Goaso diocese is at Domeabra in the Ahafo Ano South West District of Ashanti region and Mankranso the district capital.
Columbanus Community at Domeabra was opened on 19th November, 2010 with two pioneer Sisters, Joyce Eyiah SSL and Naomi Nkrumah SSL. The Bishop of Goaso diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene invited the Sisters of St Louis to work in the diocese of Goaso for a long time but due to lack of personnel the Institute (Sisters) was not able to accept the invitation. At the appointed time, the Sisters of St Louis responded to the call and Joyce and Naomi volunteered to work in the diocese. These two Sisters were teachers.
Domeabra, the old mission house, where the St Joseph of Cluny Sisters stayed before they built their convent became the community for the Sisters of St Louis. The two Sisters worked at St Peter's Primary and Junior High school at Wioso respectively.
Esther Adzah SSL joined the community later and worked at St John's Health Centre, Domeabra. The following Sisters of St Louis, Ghana have all worked and stayed at Columbanus Community, Domeabra; Edith Wematu Nonterah SSL, Lucy Ayomah SSL, Mary Boatemaa SSL.
The present community members are Genevieve Segkepeb SSL, Naomi Nkrumah SSL, Mary Boatemaa SSL, Edith Wematu Nonterah SSL and Helena Owusu Fosua SSL.
The Sisters of St Louis Community is still at Domeabra. The apostolate of the Sisters is at St John's health Centre, Domeabra and St Peter's Basic school, Wioso. The Sisters also minister at St. Peter's Parish at Wioso and St. John of God Church at Domeabra.
Sisters of St. Louis (Domeabra), C/o St. Peter’s Parish, Box 162, Tepa.
Srs. Naomi Nkrumah (Sup.), Edith Nonterah, Mary Boatemaa
7. Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ)
SOCIETY OF THE HOLY CHILD JESUS (SHCJ)
In 2011, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus responded to the invitation of the Catholic Bishop of Goaso Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, who was concerned about the growing illiteracy rate in the diocese to open a community and a school and help children have at least quality basic education and to empower them spiritually. Sr. Rose Uche Nwosu, the Province Leader missioned Sr. Gertrude Denkabe and Chinyere Edith Olobi to Goaso.
Sr. Gertrude arrived in Goaso on 20th September, 2011 and was welcomed by Monsignor Matthew Addai, the Vicar General of the Diocese and later Fr. Stephen Gyau, the Diocesan Financial Administrator on behalf of the bishop who had travelled for another assignment in Accra. Fr. Gyau led her to a well-furnished first floor apartment block of the Catholic Secretariat which was to serve as a temporary residence for the sisters. Sr. Chinyere arrived on 28th September, 2011 and was welcomed by Monsignor Opoku-Donkor, the Diocesan Development Coordinator, and the two sisters began Goaso Community.
Sr. Chinyere was missioned to work at the Diocesan communications office. However, there was an urgent need for a Diocesan coordinator of all the Catholic Women Organisations in the Diocese which the bishop offered her. Sr. Chinyere accepted the appointment and regularly planned and organized programmes to enrich and empower the women, socially and spiritually. Children and youth were not left out in her planned programmes. She assisted the Diocesan Development Office with her expertise in internet services.
Sr. Gertrude was missioned to teach English Language/Methodology at St. Joseph College of Education, Bechem which is an hour and fifteen minutes-drive from Goaso. In 2012, the Society leader, Sr. Veronica Openibo visited the community and Bishop Atuahene. The Bishop expressed his desire for a school project and showed her first, to a land at Mim that shares boundary with Ahamadiya Muslim hospital and then to one in Mankranso which had very limited land for a school project. The Society Leader assured the bishop that the Province would deliberate on these.
The visit of the chief of Nkasaim Nana Danso Agyei II with Bishop Atuahene in 2012 marked the turning point of their presence in the diocese. It was during this visit at the Catholic Secretariat, that the bishop introduced the two sisters to the chief and expressed his desire for their Society to establish a school in the diocese. The chief was overwhelmed with the idea which had been his desire also for Nkasaim, but more overwhelming was the fact that his mother-in-law (a retired teacher) and his wife, Dr. Catherine Addai Danso Agyei (a medical doctor in the US) were both past students of Holy Child Teacher Training College, Takoradi and Holy Child School, Cape Coast respectively. He applauded the Society’s educational ministry of which he is a beneficiary and was willing to offer a piece of land for an educational project in Nkasaim. He got a surveyor to work out a tentative site plan which he handed to the sisters.
On July 20, 2013, the chief, Nana Danso Agyei II presented the land to the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus in the presence of Bishop Atuahene and his entourage, Monsignor Benjamin Opoku Donkor, Fr. Christopher Kwakye, the parish priest and Fr. Gaspard Dery. The sisters present were Sr. Alberta Bonle – the outgoing Area Counsellor for Ghana, Sr. Philomena Aidoo – the incoming African Province Leader, Sr. Martha Attakruh – incoming area counselor for Ghana and Sr. Gertrude Denkabe representing the Community as Sr. Chinyere was away for a diocesan assignment. Others were the sub-chiefs, queen mothers and the local church community of Nkasaim. The community elders and queen mother prayed over the land after which the bishop blessed it.
The SHCJ Community increased when Sr. Esther James was missioned to Goaso in September 2013. She began the one year mandatory National Service at the Roman Catholic Junior High School in Goaso and taught Integrated Science to the Junior High School Pupils. The sisters in collaboration with the Parish Priest, Fr. Christopher Kwakye and the church elders, Mr. Acheampong and Mr. Daniel Dadson and the youth continued to safeguard the land by planting teak tree seedlings along the boundary until 30th July, 2014 when Bishop Atuahene introduced the diocesan architect, Mr. James Frimpong–Asante to the sisters for the purpose of future school project plans. During this period Sr. Esther worked passionately and tirelessly to secure all the documents for the Nursery School Project to begin.
On November 25, 2014, Sr. Philomena Aidoo– the Province leader and her team members, Sr. Rosemary Atuegbu, Sr. Josephine Olagunju, Sr. Antoinette Opara and Sr. Martha Attakruh visited Goaso Community and met with Bishop Atuahene to thank him for his fraternal support and to assure him of the plans to begin the school project. By 2015, the plans for the school project were in place and the number of sisters in the community had increased with Sr. Florence Nanpiire and two student sisters; Srs. Felicity Amikiya and Vivian Iboi and later Sr. Martina Azure transferred to the community. On May 15, 2016, on the feast of Pentecost, Bishop Atuahene cut the sod for the construction of the school: Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child Jesus, in Nkasaim. Present at this historical event were; Nana Danso Agyei II, his sub-chiefs and other chiefs from neighboring towns and villages, queen mothers, Hon. Collins Dauda – Member of Parliament for the Asutifi South Constituency, Sr. Philomena Aidoo – the African Province Leader, Sr. Martha Attakruh – Area Counselor for Ghana, Sr. Esther James – the Province Project Coordinator, and all the members of the SHCJ Community in Goaso. The Parish Priest, the church elders and the local community of Nkasaim were also present at this occasion. Sr. Esther was transferred from Goaso Community in August 2016. The sisters in the Community continued to supervise the work on the site and Srs. Philomena and Martha made trips to be part of the site meetings with the consultant and contractor until the building was completed in August 2017.
Sr. Atochi Jennifer Foby joined the community in September 2017. The school was officially opened and blessed by Bishop Atuahene on 13th October, 2017, on the feast of St. Edward, the foundation feast of the SHCJ with an enrolment of thirty (30) pupils of ages between three (3) and four (4).
The construction of the convent building began in May 2018 and in September 2018, Srs. Louisa Ayirah and Euphemia Igwe were missioned to Goaso Community. The convent building was completed in August 2019 and on 9th September, 2019; the sisters moved from the Catholic Secretariat building in Goaso to their new convent in Nkasaim. The Convent was blessed by Bishop Atuahene on 10th September 2019.
The school project continued to expand with the sod cutting for the primary block by the Bishop on 9th March 2019. Work commenced the following day, 10th March 2019, and was to be completed in April 2020 but due to the covid-19 pandemic lockdown, the construction work was delayed till August 25 2020 when it was completed.
School enrolment had increased then to 218, made up of 113 girls and 105 boys with ages ranging from 2 – 8 years from pre-school level to Basic 3. There is a total of twenty (20) staff, teaching and non-teaching staff and five (5) SHCJ Sisters resident in community and working full time in the school and helping in the parish.
In September 2020, Srs. Felicity Amirika and Atochi Foby were transferred from the community and Sr. Josephine Anto who had just retired from Holy Child School, Cape Coast as headmistress was transferred to the community to be a member of the Board of Trustees for the School as well as offer her services to the diocese. Sr Anastasia Kommeh who professed in September 2020 joined the community in January 2021 due to the Covid pandemic to join the staff in the school. In September 2021, Sr Emmanuella Akweongo was transferred from Cornelia Connelly School at Mpeasem to assist Sr Gertrude Denkabe in the administration of Cornelia Connelly School, Nkasaim, Goaso. Currently there are five sisters in the community. The current population of the school is 365 pupils and 17 members of Staff.
Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Nkaseim.
Srs. Louisa Huni-Dadzie (Sup.), Emmanuella Akweongo, Blessing Abah, Felicia Amoah, Philomena Sam, Angela Clement
8. Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN)
SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH - YAMFO
The journey of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to Ghana can be described either as a new beginning or as the continuation of a journey. It is the continuation of a journey begun by Mother Foundress, Blessed Frances Siedliska over 125 years ago whose deep faith, prayerful listening and determination in both discerning God’s will and responding to God’s call gave birth to the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. While still in its infancy and spurred on by her courage and generosity, the young congregation quickly grew and spread to new lands serving the Church and God’s people.
The charism of the Congregation is “to extend the kingdom of God’s love by living the spirituality of the Holy Family, whose lives were centered on the love of God and one another, and to witness to that love through dedicated service to the Church, especially in ministry to the family.
During the 2010 General Chapter, Sister Janice Fulmer, Superior General then posed the question to the members of the Chapter: “Are we, where the People of God most need us today? The future leaders of the Church and the world will be coming from Africa, Asia and South America. Who will assist them in their formation so that they will become strong, committed Christians and just leaders capable of leading countries and nations in the complex societies of the world? Are we called to take some new risks and minister where there are huge numbers of Catholics who need a deeper theological understanding of the faith, as well as an example of communal living patterned on the life of the Holy Family at Nazareth?”
In 2010, several Sisters of the Holy Family travelled to Ghana to discern where the Holy Spirit was leading them to journey with God’s people. In order to continue their fact-finding mission, the request of the General Administration, Sister Teresita and Sister Miriam Joseph again travelled to Ghana from 12th – 22nd April, 2011. The Dioceses of Sunyani and Goaso were among those visited by the Sisters. After meeting with each Diocesan Bishop the priorities of each diocese became clear. Bishop Peter Atuahene spoke with some urgency about the needs in his young diocese and did not hesitate to make his wishes known to the Sisters. “We have asked for Sisters, and everyone turned us down. I want you to see two sites for schools. I will show you a sample contract. The land is no problem, we have land. I can write to Mother General immediately.” A few days later, when the Sisters returned to see the land, Bishop Peter Atuahene also offered accommodation for the Sisters in the mission house for priests which was in the process of being built, until a convent was ready!! It came as no surprise when on 18th April, 2011, Mother Jana received an official letter from Bishop Peter Atuahene inviting the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to work in the Catholic Diocese of Goaso. Needless to say, it was impossible to ignore Bishop’s sincere and urgent plea for Sisters for the diocese. On 10th October, 2012, Mother Jana Zawieja and Sister Daniela Tupaj departed for Ghana for the official opening of the congregation’s first foundation in Africa, in Sunyani Ghana.
Sisters Daniela Tupaj and Helen Tereba spent just over two weeks in Ghana from 23rd July – 9th August, 2013. Their main tasks were to provide support for the Sisters already stationed in Sunyani, make immediate preparation for the Sisters who were due to arrive in Goaso in October later that year, prepare a draft agreement with Bishop Peter Atuahene and to begin plans for the building of the school at Chiraa.
On the Feast of the Guardian Angel, October 2, 2013, Sisters Angelina Fąfara, Aneta Grychnik and Fides Krawczy, accompanied by Sister Helen Tereba departed for Ghana. The Sisters received a very warm welcome from Bishop Peter Atuahene at the Goaso Diocesan Pastoral Centre on 3rd October. 2013.
Blessing of Blessed Martyrs of Nowogródek Convent, Yamfo
After spending a few weeks at the Diocesan Pastoral Center with the Sisters in Sunyani, while their ‘temporary’ house in Yamfo was being prepared by Fr. Theophilus Akyeampong Pepra and the parishioners of St Anthony’s Parish, Yamfo. Sisters Angelina, Aneta and Fides moved into the house in November. The blessing of the house and the transfer of the Blessed Eucharist into the chapel took place on 25th November, 2013. Again, the official opening and blessing of Holy Family of Nazareth School at Yamfo took place on Wednesday, 25th November, 2015. The school enrolment continued to increase and stage two of the school, that is classes 1- 6 was officially blessed on 31st January, 2019 by Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso.
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Convent, Yamfo.
Srs. Margaret Czudec (Sup), Vianneya Zadluzna, Paula Kozlowska, Ewa Adamczyk, Anna Waskowska, Scholastica Ntiriwaa
9. Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS)
MISSIONARY SISTERS SERVANTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – KUKUOM
In 2011, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit were invited by Captain Nimo, a retired airline pilot, from Noberkaw. He said that his family was willing to let the congregation use his family house to establish a private school however the house was not suitable for a school, but the area was the need since there were no good schools in the neighboring towns. After exploring the area, the Sisters went to Most Rev. Peter K. Atuahene and discussed their educational ministry in his Diocese. The Sisters were taken to two sited plots at Kukuom and Noberkaw. However the one at Kukuom was their preferred choice. The Bishop also mentioned at that time that it was the great desire of the chief and the Traditional Council to have a good school for their people. The land which was offered by Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, close to the Catholic mission residence was accepted. The Sisters, who were members of their Provincial Leadership Team, came from Accra and met with Nana and the elders. Later, they again met at the chief’s palace with members of the Traditional Council, Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, some priests and the Sisters. An agreement was made and an amount of money was handed over to the Chief and another sum to the family, in gratitude for the land which was offered (Date). From the Chiefs Palace, the sisters were introduced to the Roman Catholic community at St. Michael's Parish and then they proceeded to cut the sod for the beginning of the construction of the first school block and the convent for the Sisters. The Sisters moved to their home on November 15, 2013.
The School of the Holy Spirit officially opened its doors on January 6, 2014 to ninety-five children from the ages of two to four. The official inauguration of the school took place on February 12, 2014 with Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II as the Guest of Honor, His elders and members of the Traditional Council, Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, priests and sisters, the District Chief Executive, the District Education Director, Parents and children of the School and members of St. Michael's Catholic Church Kukuom.
The school is progressing each year with more infrastructures being added to the existing ones: six classrooms, a computer room and a large hall, with a dining hall attached. A second four classroom block was officially opened on May 9, 2017. The children in classes One to three have their rooms in this new block.
The land which was entrusted to the sisters by Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II was 24 acres. The proper documentations on the land had been secured. It is the intention of the Sisters to complete a basic private school from nursery to the JHS. The school has decided as part of their social responsibility to the teaching and non teaching staff in the school to enroll their children in a creche to prepare them for Nursery One. The catchment areas for the school are: Kukuom, Noberkaw, Kwapong and Domeabra. The parents have been supporting by paying their school fees regularly and attending all PTA Meetings.
Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, P. O. Box UO 14, Kukuom..
Srs: Agnes Nogo (Sup.), Cecilia Boateng
10. Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I)
CMI PRESENCE AT CARMELKROM, BECHEM
CARMEL HOUSE (EST. 2009)
The presence of CMI Fathers in the diocese of Goaso started in 2007. It all started with a meeting of CMI Fathers with Most Rev. Peter K. Atuahene, the Bishop of Goaso, under the initiation of Fr. Jesudas Thalian CMI in 2006. The bishop provided 33 acres of land near Biokrom on the way to Tepa, to the CMI Fathers. Later CMI Fathers named the place Carmelkrom. Fr. Jose Mundadan CMI was entrusted to take charge of the place.
He started staying at Brosankro in July, 2007, 5 kilometers away from the place in the house of Mr. Paul Atuahene, the younger brother of Bishop. Peter K. Atuahene. He stayed there until 2009 offering Holy Mass for the faithful at St. John of God Catholic church, New Brosankro and looking after the construction at Carmelkrom. Fr. Austin Thenkudam CMI started assisting him in the construction from August 2008, at the same time being an assistant parish priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bechem. The construction of the CMI House was started in 16th July, 2008 on the feast day of our Lady of Mount Carmel. The CMI house was blessed on 8th December, 2009. There were six CMI Priests in Ghana at this time to witness the first CMI House in Ghana. They were Frs. Jose Mundadan CMI, the Mission Co-ordinator, T.A. Antony CMI, the manager of Catholic press and book center, Kumasi Archdiocese, Benoj John Makkollil CMI, the Parish priest, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ahodwo, Francis Xavier CMI, parish priest, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Sankore, Austin Thenkudam, member, CMI house, Carmelkrom, and Shibu Paulose CMI, Assist. Parish Priest, Ahodwo.
Carmelites of Mary Immaculate House (Biokrom), CMI Fathers, P. O. Box 171, Bechem, B/A.
Rev. Frs. James John (Sup.), Peter George, Bobby Jacob
11. Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp)
SPIRITANS PRESENCE IN GOASO DIOCESE
The Spiritans presence in the Goaso Diocese goes back to 1992 when Dwinyama was part of the then Kumasi Diocese. It began with Fr. Edward Scott, who was part of the Pioneer Spiritan Missionaries who were invited to Ghana by the then Bishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Peter Kwasi sarpong.
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit, the Province of Ghana at the invitation of His Lordship Bishop Peter Kwaku Atuahene, came to the Goaso Diocese in 2015. Spiritans as they are also called, were given Mankraso, Asempanaye and Afreseni which were all outstations of Kunsu Parish to take care of. After having worked in Jamasi and Mamponteng, Fr, Scott was reassigned to St. Anthony Catholic Church at Dwinyama in 1992 where he served for three years. At Dwinyama, he put up a new rectory and assisted the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) sisters to convert an old church building into a clinic to serve the health needs of the people.
By dint of hard work and tenacity of purpose, Fr. Scott was able to help the outstations of Dwinyama to build their churches. On 5th March, 1995, on his way from Kumasi, after visiting his confreres at Bantama, Fr. Scott was involved in a gnasty accident and died the following day.
Spiritans came back to work in what is now the Goaso Diocese in 2015 upon the invitation from his Lordship Bishop Peter Kwaku Atuahene. Currently the congregation is working at Mankranso. The first Parish Priest, Fr. Simon Adu Gyamfi, CSSp was appointed to minister to the people. He initially stayed at Kunsu whilst ministering to Mankranso, Asempanaye and Afreseni. Later, the community rented an apartment at asempanaye and so Fr. Simon moved from Kunsu to stay closer to the people. He stayed there for two years.
Around 2017, under the leadership of Fr. Simon, he managed to build a Presbytery at Mankranso and finaly moved from Asempanaye. All this while, Mankranso was a Quasi Parish. In 2019, the church was elevated to a parish status thus St. Patrick Parish and Fr. Simon Adu Gyamfi became the first Parish Priest.
In February 2020, Fr. Simon was transferred and was replaced by Fr. Isaac Donkor, CSSp. He worked for two years and was appointed the Provincial Bursar. Since the Provincialate is in Accra, he had to relocate to Accra. Fr. Dominic Obese Asare replaced him as the Parish Priest on 30th October, 2022.
Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp) P. O. Box 28, Dwinyama.
Rev. Fr. Dominic Obese Asare
12. Daughters of the Blessed Trinity (FST)
FILIASE SANCTISSIMAE TRINITIES (F. S. T SISTERS), SANKORE
The Daughters of Most Holy Trinity (Filiase Sanctissimae Trinities) F.S.T Sisters is a religious Congregation founded on 8th December, 1984 by Most Rev. Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi. The Charism of the Sisters is to serve the poor and the under privileged in the rural areas. They share their gifts and talents with the poor through various ministries as teachers, secretaries, nurses, social workers, accountants, pastoral workers, administrators and many more. They live a community life by sharing their resources in common. The Sisters are working in Five (5) Dioceses in Ghana.
The first two Sisters, Evelyn Sakyiwaa and Priscilla Nuamah came to Sankore of Goaso Diocese on the 4th May, 2017. Most Rev. Peter Atuahene Bishop of Goaso Diocese introduced them to the community. They were to start a school from Primary to J.H.S.
In 2018, they started building the school on the land given by the parish. Currently, the school has eight (8) classroom blocks, starting from Nursery one to Class 4. The school has two hundred and thirty-two pupils, from Nursery One to Class Two. The school also has a temporary kitchen, two bedroom building for security and two buses as well as a pitch and playing ground.
FST Convent, Sankore
Srs. Evelyn Sakyiwaa (Sup.), Angela Baafi, Francisca Eyiram Anane
13. Congregation of the Holy Family (CHF) – Kunsu
HISTORY OF THE HOLY FAMILY CONVENT, KUNSU
The Congregation of the Holy Family (CHF) from India arrived to Kunsu by accepting the Invitation of the Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Goaso. It formed its 1st Community at Kunsu in a rented house on 14th March 2016. Sr. Jyothi, Sr. Nina and Sr. Pushpa Louis were the pioneers in Goaso diocese. After 5 months of stay in rented house Sister Nina and Sr. Pushpa Louis moved to the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny at Domeabra. While staying at Domeabra Sisters Nina & Pushpa Louis supervised the construction work of the Convent at Kunsu. By God’s special intervention, the building was ready after one year. The Holy Family Convent, Kunsu was blessed by the Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Goaso and inaugurated by Rev. Sr. Udaya CHF, Superior General of Holy Family Congregation on 20th October 2017. The 1st Community was instituted on the same day with the members Sr. Deepa, Sr. Pushpa Louis and Sr. Sophy Raphael. Sisters Prayed and waited patiently for God’s own time to begin an apostolate to reach out to the families of the locality.
According to the felt need of the locality and the wish of the Bishop of Cathoilc Diocese of Goaso, the Congregation of the Holy Family decided to begin an educational apostolate to induce an integral education to the children of the locality. St. Mariam Thresia School was organized on 11th September, 2018 in one of the rooms of the Holy Family Convent for children who were of 2 years under the leadership of Sr. Pushpa Louis. Sr. Juliana helped in the School. Sr. Rose Grace joined us lately. As we received more admissions, the necessity of building a school emerged in 2020. The Congregation bulit a Kindergarten section of the School in 2021 with 4 classrooms and an office. The school has progressed upto KG2 and there are 140 students on enrollment at present.
Holy family Convent, Kunsu
Srs. Nina, Tessy Kodiyil, Preeti Joseph, Ashlin Therese
14. Servants of the Paraclete (s.P)
SERVANTS OF THE PARACLETE IN GHANA
The Servants of the Paraclete [s.P] were founded in 1947 by a Holy Cross Priest, Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald. Father Gerald’s intention was to found an s.P community anywhere that Catholic Church needed a ministry to serve Priest and Religious. But it was not until 2004 that the Servants of the Paraclete felt that the congregation was being called to Ghana. Beginning in 2005, Servant Gerald of that time, had a chance of meeting with Bishop Justice Anokye (then Auxiliary Bishop of Kumasi); and seeds were sown to recruit new members from Ghana and eventually established a foundation in Ghana. In 2008, the congregation met Bishop Peter Atuahene and Goaso Diocese was seen as the place God wanted the Servants of the Paraclete to work. However, it took almost eight years before the congregation had enough members and resources to settle in Ghana and ten years before the congregation could settle in Goaso. The two brothers who were ordained in 2021; Emmanuel Kwasi Oppong and Jacob Owusu Bempah were born and raised in Ghana and spent five years in the Philippines reaching Final Vows just a day before they were missioned together with Father Philip, s.P. to Ghana. They completed seminary training at Saint Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu. The Congregation’s prayer is that the good work started by the Holy Spirit 15 years ago will continue well into the future and two priests, will be a major part of that journey.
s.P Community, Catholic Secretariat, Goaso
Fr. Jacob Owusu Bempeh, s.P
Bro. Anslem Okafor, s.P
15. Congregation of Jesus, Mary, Joseph (JMJ)
JMJ Convent, Mim
Srs. Vimala Jose (Sup.), Sirumalar Theresa
16. Society of Missionaries of Africa (SMA) – Techimantia
Frs. Dannis Senyo Etti, Francis Kunda
17. Claretian Missionaries (CMF) - Bomaa / Duayaw Nkwanta
THE MISSIONARY SONS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY OR CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES IN GOASO DIOCESE
We are officially known as Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary often represented with the Latin initials CMF which means Cordis Mariae Filius. We are also popularly known as Claretian Missionaries, a name derived from our Father Founder, St Anthony Mary Claret. The Claretian Missionaries is a community of priests and brothers, so it would be a misnomer to refer to it as Claretian Missionary Fathers. We are present in more than sixty-five countries around the world and have been in Ghana for more than two decades. Our apostolate is diverse, embracing biblical, catechetical, school, retreat, formation, parish, consecrated life, youth and so on. We strive to be all things to all men and often work at the fringes of society.
The Claretians were officially welcomed to Goaso Diocese on the 15th of October 2019 and were asked to manage St Joseph’s Parish Bomaa.In 2026, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene reassigned them to Susuanho and Koforidua but resident in Duayaw Nkwanta.
Frs. Paschal Diala, CMF., Michael Madunagu, CMF