
Most Reverend Monsignor, John Boakye Gyan has been described by his colleague Catholic priests as a true man of God who has left a legacy for the upcoming priests to emulate. Reverend James Opoku Boahen said this when marking the 40th-anniversary ceremony of Monsignor Boakye Gyan in the Our Lady of Fatima Church of Wenchi in the Bono region.
He described Monsignor, John Boakye Gyan popularly called Farther Boakye as a philanthropist to the needy. He said, Father Boakye has no biological children though, but more than 20 children have been named after him due to his support and the good relationship he built with the church
When it comes to education, he has supported several people to attain their tertiary education, some are now medical doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses and notably, the priesthood among other professions. The support of Father Boakye according to the congregation has no barrier.
Father Boakye who understands the financial challenges ahead of the church has helped to establish sachet water in most of the parishes he served to boost their revenue. He also played a major role to boost the finances of the BACCOD. He has been championing the establishment of churches and school buildings, he has truly made an indelible mark in his 40 years career as a true man of God.
The 40th anniversary of Father Boakye was short notice as he wanted it to be a normal ceremony, but it turned into a grand one as the entire Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of over 1,500 seated capacity was almost filled to capacity. This attests to his human relationship with the church.
20 Catholic Priests including Monsignor Kyereme, Pastors, Reverend Sisters, Choir Groups Catholic Women’s Associations and the congregation made the occasion more colourful than expected.
Monsignor Boakye John Boakye Gyan was ordained in 1983 by the late Bishop, James Kwadwo Owusu in Kwasibuokrom SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. His first appointment was at Yeji Catholic Church, he was later transferred to Nkoranza, and from there he went for further studies in Ireland. Father Boakye spends most of his sabbatical leave in the United States of America.
Father Boakye was bestowed the Monsignore title in 2009 by the late, Pope, Benedict XVI. The title, Monsignor, is one of the most distinguished positions in the Catholic Church.
He returned to Techiman St Paul’s Catholic Church and spent over a decade at the parish. His chalk successes in the then parish are still fresh in the minds of the people. Father Boakye served the Catholic Church of Nsuatre and Sampa. He was sent to Wenchi our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church as the dean. It is most likely, that Father Boakye will retire in Wenchi.