Girls-kissing Anglican priest stripped of his position at St. Monica’s College

On August 17, 2021, 4:44 PM

Father Balthazar Obeng Larbi, the Anglican priest, who was captured on video kissing three female students of the St. Monica’s College of Education, has been relieved of his post as the school’s chaplain.

He also ceases to be a lawyer of the school.

His suspension followed a management meeting held to discuss the viral kissing incident, dominating local headlines and making its way into international publications.

Acting Principal of St. Monica’s College of Education, Dr Okyere Korankye, has confirmed the suspension.

Additionally, the institution has provided counselling support for the victims as investigation progresses.

In a video, three students dressed in white took turns to exchange passionate kisses with the priest behind a pulpit in the presence of a seemingly large congregation.

The incident occurred during Mass on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

According to some persons familiar with it, the act was a “holy kiss” to officially welcome new converts of the school to the body of Christ Jesus.

Wearing a green and white liturgical robe, the Reverend Father pulled each student towards himself and planted his lips on theirs.

The congregation, largely made up of students, was seen cheering as the supposed consecrated activity went on.

The video has sparked fury on social media, with many users calling for investigations and sanctions over the immoral act displayed by the priest.

Earlier, the Anglican Church of Ghana expressed its dissatisfaction about the matter and initiated internal investigations.

“The church is saddened by the news and wishes to state expressly that thorough investigations have been immediately instituted into the matter and the action of the said priest will be dealt with in accordance with the norms and values of the Anglican Communion where morality is extremely revered in the church,” part of the statement read.

An education think tank, Africa Education Watch, has demanded that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) investigates the matter and apply sanctions where necessary.

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Below are some comments from social media users:

Reverend Father de3 nka Kissing fa woho ben

— kay 💧 (@KayPoissonOne) August 16, 2021