Alexander Kwodwo Kom Abban has revealed that he quit studying to become a priest after a lengthy discussion with his spiritual director and not because he couldn’t overcome the temptations of the flesh.

The Deputy minister-designate for Health made his revelation when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday.

According to Mr Abban, with the belief he had a calling to become a Catholic Priest, he wrote the entrance exams for the seminary and passed.

“I got to form 4 and here came a Catholic Priest who came to preach to us about vocations. I thought I had the calling, so I went to write the entrance exams and passed beautifully so I went to St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary at Emisano near Elmina.”

He continued to the St Paul’s Major Seminary at Sowutuom still with the conviction that he had the call but after two years, he realised he was mistaken.

“In August of 1998, either I didn’t hear the call very well or for whatever reason, I left for the University of Ghana to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.”

Alexander Abban further noted that out of 32 students who entered the Seminary at the time, only 10 subsequently became Catholic Priests adding that his decision to quit wasn’t because he had a problem.

Asked if he was not tempted by the flesh, Mr Abban answered, “No…it was a decision I took not in isolation, but I had a lengthy fruitful discussion with my spiritual director before I left,” he stated.

He further added that even after leaving the seminary, he still visited the place to play the organ during church service.