Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Did you ever hear of a chapel built on rosary prayers? The Holy Rosary Catholic Church at KNUST, Kumasi is such a place. It all started in 1957. A chemistry lecturer named Father C. Peter Klaver began gathering Catholics on campus for mass. Initially, they crammed into Republic Hall’s chapel. As their numbers swelled, they shifted to the old Biological Sciences building and later to Manciples, now CeCast. Seeing the burgeoning congregation, Father Klaver dreamed of a dedicated chapel. He confided in the then Vice-Chancellor, Dr. R. P. Baffour, a fellow Catholic. Dr. Baffour championed the cause, even praying with his rosary in the Botanical Garden for approval. His prayers were answered, and construction began. On Trinity Sunday, June 10, 1965, Archbishop Kwodwo Amissah dedicated the new building. It was christened Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, with Father Klaver as its first chaplain. The Holy Rosary Catholic Church became more than just a place of worship. It recorded its own baptisms and marriages, starting with Mr. and Mrs. Awotwi, who later celebrated their golden jubilee anniversary as parishioners. From its humble beginnings with a 500-capacity chapel and a chaplain’s house, serving just 130 Catholics, the Holy Rosary Catholic Church has blossomed. Over 50 years, it has grown nearly 25-fold. It added a Chaplaincy Complex and a Parish Centre. This growth is a testament to the community’s dedication and the leadership of past and present chaplains. Today, the Holy Rosary Catholic Church remains a vibrant hub of faith at KNUST, continuing to nurture the spiritual lives of students, staff, and the surrounding community.