The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wa is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory of the Catholic Church in Ghana. It is a suffragan diocese in the ecclesiastical province of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tamale.
Establishment
- The diocese was erected on 22 November 1994 by Pope John Paul II, separating territory from the then‑Diocese of Sunyani and the Apostolic Vicariate of Navrongo‑Bolgatanga.
Cathedral
- The diocesan cathedral is the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the city of Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region of Ghana.
Geography and Demographics
- Area: Approximately 9,150 km² (3,535 sq mi).
- Population (c. 2014): Roughly 1.2 million inhabitants within the diocesan boundaries.
- Catholics (c. 2014): About 106,000 faithful, representing roughly 8–9 % of the total population.
Leadership
- First Bishop (1994–2014): Bishop John Chris Nartey (served until his retirement).
- Current Bishop (since 2014): Bishop John S. Agbenyega (appointed by Pope Francis).
Parishes and Institutions
- The diocese comprises approximately 30 parishes and several mission stations.
- It administers primary and secondary Catholic schools, a diocesan seminary, and various healthcare and social‑service centers serving the local community.
Rite and Liturgical Practice
- The diocese follows the Roman Rite of the Latin Church.
Affiliations
- As a member of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the diocese participates in national pastoral initiatives and collaborates with other dioceses in Ghana.
Statistical Sources
- Data are derived from the Annuario Pontificio, the Vatican’s official directory, and publicly available diocesan reports up to 2023.
All information presented is based on verifiable ecclesiastical records; no speculative statements are included.
