The Accra Archdiocese of the Catholic Church has instituted a "permanent diaconate" in the archdiocese.
This means that the Catholic Church in Accra will now be appointing married men as deacons to assist with pastoral work in the various churches in the archdiocese.
A statement issued by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, John Bonaventure Kwofie, which was sighted by GhanaWeb, indicated that the institution of the permanent diaconate was after consultation with the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, the College of Consultors, the Priests' Council, the Priests and Religious of the Archdiocese, and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.
It explained that the institution of the permanent diaconate is to "strengthen the hierarchy of Sacred Orders, especially where the presence of priests is lacking," as well as "aid in extending needed liturgical and charitable service where catechists and designated lay persons already play such functions." The statement added that permanent deacons will help bring an "official and sacramental presence to the Church in areas of secular life," and "aid priests in matters sacramental and liturgical." The Church went on to list the following for one to become a permanent deacon: i.
