The Catholic faithful including large numbers of Sisters on October 23, 2024 gathered at Cape Coast to pay their last respects to Rev. Fr. Samuel Akoto Mensah, a priest of the Archdiocese of Cape Coast whose life was marked by dedicated service to the Church and a joyful spirit.
His burial Mass was led by Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, with a large congregation of the clergy, including Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Matthias Nketsiah, the Most Rev. Yaw Afiakwah, Bishop of Obuasi, and many monsignors, priests, and religious.
Fr. Samuel Akoto Mensah died at the age of 65 years.
In a homily, Fr. George Bonnah, a close friend and classmate, reflected on Fr. Akoto’s vibrant personality and commitment to his vocation. He cited Ecclesiastes 1:2, reminding those present that “Vanity upon vanity, all is vanity.”
Fr. Bonnah urged everyone to serve God in their youth, just as Fr. Akoto did with joy and dedication throughout his priestly ministry, noting that life is fleeting, but what truly matters is how we serve the Lord and others. Despite the pain of losing a beloved classmate, he found comfort in Christ, the Resurrection and the Life.
Born on April 16, 1965, in Assin Akonfudi, Fr. Akoto began his priestly formation at St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary in 1980. He pursued his philosophical studies at St. Paul’s Seminary, Sowutuom (1988-1991), and continued his theological studies at St. Peter’s Seminary, Pedu (1991-1995). On September 3, 1995, he was ordained by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson.
Fr. Akoto served in various parishes, including St. Joseph Minor Basilica in Elmina, St. Michael and Sacred Heart Church in Winneba, and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Agona Swedru.
In 2022, he was appointed Catechetical Director for the Archdiocese of Cape Coast after studying Catechetics in Nigeria.
By: Sr. Francisca Yaa Konadu Yiadom, SIJ (Sister Communicator)
