Media denied access to Anglican Cathedral

Sekondi, Aug 10, GNA - Some journalists who went to cover the handing over of the properties and vestments of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle at Sekondi on Thursday were denied access. The properties had been in the custody of the former Dean of the Cathedral, Reverend Father Jacob A. Welbourne.

At about 1000 hours Rev Fr Welbourne, accompanied by Emmanuel Papa Assan, Daniel Assafuah and some sympathisers, anxiously waited under mango trees at the Cathedral premises to hand over all church properties in their custody.

Just then Venerable Rev. Father Kingsley Addai, accompanied by Mr. James Mike Abban, the Western Regional Manager of Anglican Schools, demanded to know if journalists were around.

"We don't want you here, we don't want any coverage, who invited you, this is an internal matter" Rev. Addai and Mr Abban stressed and asked the journalists to leave.

When the journalists tried to explain their presence at the Cathedral, Rev. Fr Addai replied angrily "Do you want trouble? "Just leave".

A Takoradi High Court on July 28 pardoned the three after it had jailed them for Contempt on July 21.

Pardoning them, Mr Justice David Ofosu-Quartey ordered that their thumbs printed, the five should sign affidavits that should be published in an edition of the Daily Graphic and two announcements on Skyy Power FM.

They should also pay a total fine of 42 million cedis, Rev. Fr Welbourne was to hand over all church properties and vestments in his custody to Bishop Otoo and he should vacate the Cathedral Mission house 14 days after his release from prison.

Justice ofosu-Quartey said, "When the above conditions are complied with the jail term will be suspended."

They would to re-appear before the court on October 16.