Remember the year 1989. That’s when the story of Corpus Christi Church in Accra began. New housing units were built by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust at Community 13.
Many new residents were Catholic. They wanted a church in their new community. So, they met with Bishop Dominic Kwodwo Andoh. He agreed to start a new church community. This community was placed under the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
On February 10 1991 Reverend Father Patrick Twi celebrated the first Holy Mass. It was held in a small open yard. This yard was near the SNNIT Estate Manager’s office. Father Twi is fondly remembered for his pioneering role. His interesting surname is also remembered.
As time passed Father James Duncan took charge of Sunday Masses. He was an Irish priest. He had served in the Irish Army. The church community grew quickly. The open yard became too small.
Mr. and Mrs. Comla-Otabil offered their house for Sunday Mass. But soon their house was also too small. The church then used the Bethel Nursery School. It had a spacious pavilion. The congregation continued to grow. They decided to build a proper church.
The Tema Development Corporation offered land. However there was a condition. The Catholic Church had to share the land. Three other churches also needed land. These were the Presbyterian Anglican and Methodist churches.
The pastoral council thought the land was too small. The TDC suggested a lottery. Two churches would share the land. The Catholic and Presbyterian churches won the lots. Today the two churches stand side by side.
Lawrence Ayagiba designed the Corpus Christi Catholic Church building. He was a young architect and church member. The church became an architectural marvel. It enhances the surrounding landscape.
Archbishop Charles Palmer Buckle dedicated it on October 8 2005. Corpus Christi Church became a parish in 2005. Very Reverend Father Frederick Agyemang was the first Parish Priest. Reverend Father Richard Aziati assisted him. Later Reverend Father Francis Destiny Amenuvor replaced Aziati.
Father Agyemang went to the USA for studies in 2010. Reverend Father Joseph Henry Mensah succeeded him on November 1 2010.
Many priests have served at Corpus Christi Church. They include Fathers Patrick Twi James Duncan and Andrew Campbell. Also serving were Fathers Peter Baddoo and Joseph Henry Mensah. Father Francis Asagba helped lay the church’s foundation.
The congregation has grown from 12 to over 3000. The church has a large auditorium. A three-story block houses a parish hall and a conference room. It also includes a rectory an adoration chapel meeting rooms and offices. The Corpus Christi Credit Union is also housed there.
The congregation is unique in Accra. Members include ministers of state and MPs. Also included are diplomats civil servants and business people. The church has an outstation Saint Bakhita Catholic Church. It is located in Community 18.
Corpus Christi Church has undertaken significant projects. These include the Holy Child Basic School. The Corpus Christi Catholic Crèche and Junior and Senior High Schools are also among them. These schools are rated among the best in Tema.
Church records honor the 14 founders. They include Emmanuel Comla-Otabil and Hannah Dankwa-Smith. Stephen Appiah and George Fidelis Dapkallah are also listed.
The church celebrated its 25th anniversary. Activities included health screenings. Experts gave talks on diseases and hygiene. A Charity Day was also held. Parishioners helped the poor the sick and the elderly.
Corpus Christi Church stands as a testament to faith community and architectural beauty. Its history is one of growth perseverance and service to others. As you stand here you are witnessing a living legacy. It continues to shape lives in Sakumono and beyond.