The remains of Rev. Fr. Roch Samson Akolgo were laid to rest on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, following a funeral that brought together clergy, religious leaders, family members, parishioners, and sympathizers. Fr. Roch died on September 12, 2026, at the Nyaho Medical Center in Accra. He was 53 years old at the time of his death. Born on November 11, 1973, in the Sumbrungu community, Fr. Roch was raised in a Catholic family and received his baptism in infancy.
Fr. Roch began his formal education at St. John’s Primary School, where he studied from 1979 to 1985. He later attended St. John’s Middle School and Akantome Junior High School before proceeding to Bolgatanga Secondary School, completing his secondary education in 1994. His journey to the priesthood took him to St. Victor’s Major Seminary in Tamale, where he underwent seminary formation between 1997 and 2005.
Fr. Roch was ordained a deacon on December 11, 2004, by the then Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev. Gregory E. Kpiebaya. He was ordained a priest for the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese on August 20, 2005, by Most Rev. Lucas Abadamloora. Following his ordination, Fr. Roch began his pastoral ministry at Christ the King Parish in Chiana, where he served from 2005 to 2009.
Throughout his priestly ministry, Fr. Roch was remembered for his simplicity, pastoral charity, and close relationship with the people he served. He was described as a priest who made himself available to parishioners in both moments of joy and sorrow, taking time to listen to their concerns and accompany them with compassion. His strong devotion to popular Catholic practices was also identified as a defining feature of his spirituality.
Fr. Roch experienced health challenges from around 2015 to 2016 and continued to seek medical attention at various health facilities. His condition deteriorated in his later years, culminating in his death on September 12, 2026. His death has been particularly painful for his family, including his mother, as well as widows and orphans whom he supported.
The Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese has described Fr. Roch's legacy as one of pastoral love, joyful devotion, and compassionate service. His ministry touched several communities and parishes across the Diocese, with many parishioners remembering him for his closeness to the people and his commitment to deepening their relationship with God.
Fr. Roch held various positions within the Diocese, including Rector of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Rectorate in Paga and Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish, Chiana. At the time of his death, he was serving at Our Lady Queen of Africa Parish, commonly known as OLA Parish. He has been laid to rest at the Cathedral Cemetery in Bolgatanga.
Key points
- Fr. Roch was 53 years old at the time of his death.
- He was laid to rest at the Cathedral Cemetery in Bolgatanga.
- Fr. Roch's legacy is one of pastoral love, joyful devotion, and compassionate service.
