NDC sets the record straight on catholic missionaries attacked by its members, apologises

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nkwanta South in the Oti region has apologised for an assault orchestrated by the youth of the party on Catholic missionaries.

According to the party, the attacks are condemnable and go against the fabric of society.

In a press statement dated December 12, 2024, Constituency Secretary Prince Succeed Fiagadzi stated, “The leadership of NDC in Nkwanta South is deeply appalled and saddened by the attacks on the persons whose identities are revealed to be Catholic missionaries by some youths in Nkwanta in the early hours of yesterday. This heinous act is unacceptable and goes against the very fabric of our society.

“We strongly condemn this violence and apologize for the harm, trauma, and distress inflicted upon you. Your selfless dedication to serving humanity and spreading the message of love and compassion deserves utmost respect and gratitude.

“We recognize that your presence in our various communities has been a beacon of hope, peace, and development. Your tireless efforts in educating, healing, and empowering our people have not gone unnoticed.”

The letter added, “Our preliminary investigation establishes the following facts:

“1. The assaulted men are Catholic priests.

“2. They did not steal the machines and equipment which were the matter in contention.

“3. They were not adorned in their priestly regalia because they were on their way to the project site.

“The leadership of the party in Nkwanta has since visited the victims to ascertain their well-being and offered an apology to them.

“As much as we seek an amicable solution to this incident, it is important we raise our disappointment in the individuals within the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly who undermine unity, stability, and development.”

Meanwhile, the police are investigating the said assault on a group of Catholic missionaries of the Jasikan Diocese in the Oti Region.

They were manhandled by some supporters of the NDC in the Nkwanta South Municipality over some machines for the District Road Improvement Project.

The victims, whose names were given as Reverend Fathers Henry, Martin, and Rubenson, were assaulted after they were suspected of moving the DRIP machines from their original location.

Reports indicate that the missionaries were undertaking infrastructure projects in the region, including Nkwanta South and North, before falling into the hands of the thugs.

The Catholic missionaries had acquired land from the chiefs and elders of Chaiso in the Nkwanta South Municipality and needed the equipment to clear the land for the commencement of work.

They sought the approval of the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly to use the DRIP machines in clearing the land.

The missionaries, however, paid GH¢9,700 to the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly before having access to the machines.

Reverend Father Henry is currently receiving treatment at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lawrence Wiafe, the Nkwanta South Municipal Crime Officer, said the police are investigating the matter.

AM/EK

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