A farewell Mass has been held in honour of Rev. Fr. Ernest Kofi Dugah following his transfer from St. Dominic Catholic Church to St. Kizito, Nima.

The ceremony held over the weekend at the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Taifa, brought together parishioners, pupils and staff of St. Dominic Basic School, friends and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the Church Pastoral Council, Mrs. Lawrenda Osei Brako described Fr. Ernest as a zealous and a delightful Priest who has the desire to help all manner of persons who find themselves in challenging situations and an advocate for healthy living.

“Father Ernest is a delightful and heartwarming person who cares deeply about all people, not just as a Priest, which is his life’s calling, but as someone who sees wrongs in our world and who does whatever he can to help make things better for those who find themselves in difficult situations."

"He has been enlightening people to help those less fortunate and to help those who are having difficulties whether it is in health, finances or just loneliness. He does not hold back when given the chance to try new things when it may benefit others. He is an advocate for raising awareness about health concerns and strife.” Mrs. Osei Brako said.



In his speech, Fr. Ernest said his send off Mass for him, is a thanksgiving to God for how far he has brought the St. Dominic Church Community. He expressed appreciation to the parishioners for their immense support while he served as priest in Charge of the Church in Taifa and urged them to give their maximum support to Frs. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe and Courage Senam Dogbey as he finally says goodbye.

“Today is in thanksgiving to God for how far he has brought the St. Dominic Family. When we look at the past and now, we cannot but say God has blessed. I want to thank all of you for being part of the development. Thank you for the support, advice and encouragement. St. Dominic has made progress but just as we started, we can still go further. Frs. Emmanuel and Courage have been very good brothers. I will miss them” he said.

Despite his love for the military, Fr. Ernest went from Education, having already received a teaching certificate into theology at St. Peter’s major seminary Pedu, Cape Coast.

He served at the St Dominic Church, Taifa for approximately 10 years. His response to being awarded always was one of modesty. He was appointed Assistant priest for Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Tema in 2003 and priest in Charge of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Taifa in 2007. He also served as Chaplin for a number of schools and institutions.

While at St. Dominic Fr. Ernest started and completed the multi-purpose rectory/ mission house for Priests, renovated and built a new Altar and a tabernacle.

He established a fundraiser to support people in Critical need, led in the re roofing and ceiling of the Church, replaced plastic chairs with pews and also led the change of the block design windows to glasses among others.

The Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Charles Palmer Buckle at his last visit to the Church in Taifa on January 8, appointed Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Codjoe who was an assistant to Fr. Ernest as acting parochial administrator and Rev. Fr. Courage Senam Dogbey as parochial vicar.