Goaso (B/A), Nov. 17, GNA - The Goaso Diocese of the Catholic Church marked its 10 anniversary with a colourful durbar at Goaso, capital of Asunafo Municipality, at which its Bishop Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene pledged firm commitment to achievement of greater goals. He said with enough resources evangelization, education, health delivery and sanitation as well as other socio-economic activities had pride of place in the diocesan planning and execution.

"Now with some of the basic infrastructure in place our next step is to speed up pastoral and social activities with emphasis on the youth and children who are our hope for the future", the Bishop said. Most Rev. Atuahene commended the chiefs, political and civil authorities as well as security agencies for their assistance and cooperation in many ways since the diocese was created. Rev. Monsignor Matthew Addai, Vicar General of the diocese, advised Ghanaians to be instruments of peace before, during and after the general election.

He expressed regret about the proliferation of churches amid the upsurge of social vices and appealed to religious leaders to help wage a relentless war against acts of immorality. The diocese was created on October 24, 1997 and the Episcopal ordination of its first Bishop, Most Rev. Atuahene took place in Rome on January 6, 1998.

Its initial pre-occupation was to conduct a baseline survey of the diocesan area of Canonical jurisdiction to identify and prioritize the needs, challenges and opportunities of the diocese. This was further to help ensure reasonable, meaningful, realistic and fruitful evangelization of God's people. Currently the Goaso Diocese is co-terminus with seven administrative districts namely Asunafo North Municipal, Asunafo South, Tano North, Tano South and Asutifi districts of the region. Other districts assemblies are Ahafo Ano North and Ahafo Ano South of the Ashanti region.

The population is about 527, 307 and out of this 58,810 are Catholics representing 10.56 percent. The diocese has two hospitals, two maternity and health centers to complement government's efforts in providing healthcare for the people, especially in the rural areas.

It has several basic schools, seven of which are privately owned by the church, one senior high school and one college of education. The diocese has 19 parishes and 45 priests and another major investment in education of the diocese is the development of a pastoral and training center at Goaso.