The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the attack on three missionary Catholic priests near Nkwanta in the Oti Region. The incident, which occurred on December 11, 2024, was triggered by accusations that the priests were transporting stolen equipment belonging to the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).

0

According to preliminary police investigations, the priests were traveling with officials from the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, including the Municipal Engineer, to inspect a cleared plot of land. The land had been worked on using DRIP machinery. Along the route to Chieso, the group was confronted by some youth who accused them of theft, leading to a confrontation during which one of the priests was physically assaulted.

1

The injured priest was taken to a hospital, treated, and later discharged. The Police emphasized that the priests have been treated as victims throughout the investigation, and at no point were they detained.The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has personally engaged the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, to assure him of a thorough investigation.

2

The IGP also pledged the full support of the Police Service to the affected priests and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.Police efforts are underway to get the perpetrators arrested to face justice, the statement from the Police Service read.The incident has placed renewed focus on the DRIP initiative, which was launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo on July 31, 2024, at Independence Square.

3

The programme, overseen by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, seeks to improve deteriorating road conditions across all 275 constituencies. National Security has described the initiative as critical to addressing road-related security challenges in the country. The Police have assured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and order while investigations into the assault

4

continue.

5