A Catholic priest in Ghana has resigned from his position after falling in love, sparking discussions about love, duty, and the challenges of celibacy within the Catholic Church. Father Joseph Mensah, a 45-year-old priest from the Archdiocese of Accra, stepped down from his role at St. Mary’s Parish in Tema, citing personal reasons for his departure.
According to sources close to the church, Father Mensah recently developed a romantic relationship with a woman named Abena Owusu, a 38-year-old schoolteacher and active member of the parish. The relationship, which began as a friendship during community outreach programs, grew over time, leading Father Mensah to question his commitment to the priesthood and its vow of celibacy. In a statement released through the Archdiocese, Father Mensah expressed his decision to leave the priesthood to pursue a life with Ms. Owusu, stating that he wished to live openly and honestly.
Father Mensah, who was ordained in 2005, was known for his dedication to his congregation, particularly in organizing youth programs and charity initiatives in Tema. His resignation has surprised many in the community, with parishioners expressing mixed feelings of sadness and support. “Father Joseph was a kind and inspiring leader,” said Agnes Boateng, a parishioner at St. Mary’s. “We are sad to see him go, but we wish him happiness in his new path.”
The Archdiocese of Accra confirmed that the Vatican accepted Father Mensah’s resignation after discussions with church officials. The Catholic Church requires priests to take a vow of celibacy, a commitment to abstain from marriage and romantic relationships to focus on their spiritual duties. However, Father Mensah’s decision to step down reflects a personal choice to prioritize his relationship over his priestly vows.
This event has reignited conversations in Ghana about the role of celibacy in the Catholic Church. Some community members argue that the vow of celibacy can place significant emotional burdens on priests, while others maintain that it is a vital part of the priesthood’s spiritual discipline. Reverend Father Paul Amoako, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese, emphasized the importance of supporting clergy in their personal and spiritual journeys. “We respect Father Mensah’s decision and pray for his continued growth in faith and life,” he said.
Abena Owusu, a respected teacher known for her work in local schools, has not publicly commented on the matter. Sources say the couple plans to settle in Accra and is considering a future together, possibly including marriage. Father Mensah is reportedly seeking employment outside the church, leveraging his experience in community work and education.
The resignation has drawn attention on social media, with posts on X reflecting a range of opinions. Some users expressed amusement, with one post joking that “a woman called him back from God’s call,” while others praised Father Mensah for his honesty in stepping down rather than living a double life.
This incident follows other global cases where clergy have left their roles for love, prompting broader discussions about the expectations placed on religious leaders. In Ghana, a country with a strong Christian community, Father Mensah’s story has touched many, highlighting the human side of those who serve the church.
As St. Mary’s Parish prepares to welcome a new priest, the community continues to reflect on Father Mensah’s contributions and the lessons from his departure. His story serves as a reminder that love and faith can sometimes lead to difficult but honest choices, sparking hope for open dialogue about personal and spiritual fulfillment.