Pope appoints Apostolic Prefecture for Donkorkrom

Accra, June 12, GNA - Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the Very Revered Father Gabriel Edoe Kumorji (SVD), Provincial Superior of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) Ghana, as the first Apostolic Prefect of the Donkorkrom Apostolic Prefecture in the Eastern Region.

This has led to the creaction of the Apostolic Prefecture of Donkorkrom in the Afram Plains separating the civil district of Donkorkrom from the Diocese of Koforidua.

A statement signed by Dr. Africanus L. Diedong, Executive Secretary of the Department of Social Communications (DEPSOCOM), said this was announced by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop George Kocherry at St Francis Xavier Church in Donkorkrom.

"The Catholic Church in Afram Plains is growing steadily. However, it has not yet arrived at a full stage for the establishment of a diocese there," he said.

"Hence Pope Benedict XVI has decided to establish an Apostolic Prefecture in the Afram Plains of the Eastern Region with the intention of giving particular attention there," he added.

The statement said Very Rev. Fr. Kumordji was expected to promote the growth of the church as well as the spiritual and social welfare of the people of God under his care.

"He is fully in charge of the Apostolic Prefecture just as the Bishop in their dioceses. He is a member of the Bishops' Conference and has the right to attend all Plenary Assemblies and to vote," the statement stated.

The Apostolic Prefecture of Donkorkrom comprises Donkorkrom Civil District of the Eastern Region. The District covers an area of 4,285 sq km with a population of 136,000, living in 497 communities.