On 11 December, three Indian Capuchin priests were violently attacked in Enquanto, East Volta Region, Ghana. Fr. Robinson Melkis, Fr. Frank Henry Jacob, and Fr. Martin George—were assaulted while attempting to refuel a bulldozer at a petrol station.
The attack was brutal, with the priests being beaten for approximately half an hour before being rescued by personnel from the Ghanaian Immigration Department. Fr. Frank Henry Jacob suffered permanent hearing loss in one ear and was admitted to Yendi Hospital for specialized treatment. The municipal officials who were with the priests also endured physical abuse.
The incident has drawn significant attention within the community, with the Catholic Church and its clergy playing a vital role in the development of Ghana. The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nkwanda-South constituency has issued an apology to the priests and the diocese for the violence they endured. The Ghana Police Chief has assured that an investigation will be launched and those responsible for the assault will be held accountable.