Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on January 19, 2010, raised the Apostolic Prefecture of Donkorkrom (Ghana) to the rank of Apostolic Vicariate with the same name and territory. The Supreme Pontiff also appointed as first Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom (Ghana), Fr. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, present Apostolic Prefect of the same ecclesiastical circumscription, assigning him the Titular See of Ita.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom is located in the "Afram Plains" in the eastern region of Ghana in the Volta River Basin. Is one of the most isolated and economically impoverished parts of the country. Initially, under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Koforidua, on June 28, 2007 the Apostolic Prefecture was erected, taking the name of Donkorkrom, located in the capital with this same name, and entrusted to the Society of Divine Word, with Fr. Gabriel Kumordji, S.V.D. as the first Prefect Apostolic. The District covers an area of 4,285 square km. It has a population of 160,000 inhabitants, rising rapidly mainly due to immigration. Catholics are 17,000 (10%) and are also growing rapidly, distributed in 7 parishes and 98 mission stations, served by 12 priests (3 diocesan Fidei Donum priests and 9 religious of the Society of the Divine Word), 110 catechists and 7 religious sisters. There are also 34 institutes for education and 1 of charity. The first Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom, Fr. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, was born in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on March 24, 1956. He entered the novitiate of the Divine Word in Nkwatia-Kwahu and took simple vows on December 8, 1980. He studied philosophy (1976-1979) and theology (1980-1983) at St. Victor Major Seminary in Tamale. He later obtained a licentiate and a doctorate in Missiology in the United States. After a year of pastoral experience in the Diocese of Sunyani, which ended with the profession of solemn vows in 1984, he was ordained priest on July 14, 1985. After ordination he served in the following ministries: 1985-1988: assistant priest of St. Augustine, in Aesewa; 1988-1991: assistant priest of St. Maria Goretti in Battore, 1991-1993: Studies for the Licentiate in Missiology at Loyola University Chicago in the United States, 1994-2001: Vice-Rector of the House of Formation for the Society of the Divine Word in Tamale and Professor at St. Victor Major Seminary, 2001-2005: Doctorate in Missiology at Fuller Theological College in California, in United States, 2005-2007: Provincial of the Divine Word and President of the Conference of Major Superiors in Ghana. He is currently President of the Episcopal Commission for Missionary Societies in Ghana. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/1/2010)
