Kumasi, Nov. 29, GNA -The Reverend Father Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, Vice-Rector of the St. Paul's Regional Seminary, Pedu, Cape Coast, has been appointed by the Vatican, Rome as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Kumasi Arch Catholic Diocese.

His appointment follows a request by Archbishop Peter Akwasi Sarpong of the Catholic Diocese of Kumasi, for an assistant Bishop in view of his age and ill-health.

Rev. Father Anokye was subsequently chosen among six priests, who were recommended to Rome for consideration for the position.

Rev. Father Anokye, 43 is to now by his appointment function as an Assistant Bishop in the diocese, and directly assist and support Arch Bishop Sarpong in ministering and administering the diocese.

A meeting was summoned by Archbishop Sarpong of all the clergy and laity of the Kumasi Arch Diocese at the St. Peter's Catholic Cathedral in Kumasi on Saturday, at which Rev. Anokye was formally introduced as the newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop.

Archbishop Sarpong commended Rev. Father Anokye on his appointment, and used the forum to announce that January 7, 2004 had been set aside for the formal ordination of the new Auxiliary Bishop into office.

The Archbishop urged all members of the Catholic faith, the clerics and lay members to extend the same co-operation they have always given him to Rev. Father Anokye in his new position.

On his part, Rev. Father Anokye, the new Auxiliary Bishop, expressed his gratitude to the Archbishop, the clergy and laity as well as the Vatican for the confidence reposed in him by the appointment.

He assured the entire Catholic family that he will work harder to justify the confidence they reposed in him. Rev. Father Anokye however, asked for prayers and co-operation of all to help make his work a success.