Vatican City, Jan 19, 2010 / 09:58 am
Pope Benedict XVI has elevated the Apostolic Prefecture of Donkorkrom in Ghana to the status of Apostolic Vicariate. The region will continue to be overseen by Fr. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji according to a Vatican communique recognizing the action on Tuesday.
With the change the missionary region in the eastern plains region of Ghana is a step closer to becoming a full-fledged diocese.
The zone had been considered part of the neighboring diocese of Koforidua until it was made an Apostolic Prefecture on June 28, 2007. There has been a rapid increase in population in recent years due to immigration. There are currently 17,000 Catholics within the boundaries of the Vicariate served by seven parishes and 98 mission stations. Twelve priests are distributed among these posts along with 110 catechists and seven religious.