President Akufo-Addo has urged the Methodist Church of Ghana to persist in its vital role in nation-building, emphasizing the need for the Church to uphold truth, justice, and righteousness.
Speaking at the 13th Biennial/51st Annual Conference of the Methodist Church at the Wesley Cathedral in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the significance of Christian maturity and the Church’s duty to advance moral and social development in Ghana.
In his address on the conference theme, “Discipleship: Growing into Christian Maturity,” President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the Methodist Church’s notable contributions to Ghana’s progress, particularly in the realms of education, healthcare, and social welfare.
“The Methodist Church has been a symbol of faith, education, and social service, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress,” he noted, urging the Church to continue its invaluable work.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the significance of Christian discipleship in influencing the moral fabric of a nation. He emphasized that discipleship extends beyond personal growth to encompass communal support, as believers are encouraged to uplift and strengthen each other in their faith journey.
Citing biblical teachings, he highlighted Apostle Paul’s advice to the Ephesians, stressing the importance of growing “in truth, love, and steadfastness in our faith.”
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo called on the Church to use its prophetic voice to address and challenge injustice, corruption, and moral decline in society.
“Our advocacy should be rooted in biblical principles, aimed at promoting the common good,” he urged, adding that the Church must support policies and initiatives that align with God’s will for justice and peace.
President Akufo-Addo’s call to action served as a stark reminder of the Church’s duty to uphold moral standards and guide the nation.
In a direct admonition, the President criticized certain clergy members who have been forecasting electoral violence and manipulation. He expressed his dismay at those who, rather than advocating for peace and unity, have chosen to spread discord. “I am confident that the actions of the Ghanaian people, along with their government and public authorities, will disprove all the pessimists and naysayers, including, regrettably, some individuals in religious leadership,” he asserted.
The President’s comments were a strong appeal for the Methodist Church to stay true to its mission of fostering peace and unity, particularly as the 2024 elections approach.
He urged the Church to persist in its efforts to cultivate disciples and support nation-building, highlighting the critical role of godly leadership and spiritual guidance in governance.
“Let us strive to grow in our faith, develop Christ-like character, and live out the principles of the Kingdom of God in every aspect of our lives,” he urged, reminding the congregation of the Church’s rich heritage of faith and service in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo also expressed his gratitude to the Methodist Church for its steadfast support of his administration over the years. He urged the Church to continue its collaboration with his successor, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
His address to the Methodist Church in Kumasi was both a reflection on past achievements and a call to future action.
The conference, which drew a wide range of clergy, dignitaries, and congregants, provided a crucial forum for discussing the Church’s role in Ghana’s socio-political landscape, especially as the nation approaches the upcoming elections.
The Methodist Church of Ghana has expressed its desire to engage in discussions with President Akufo-Addo regarding the status of the .
The Church has raised concerns about the prolonged delay by President Akufo-Addo in giving assent to the law, noting that it is causing unease among Ghanaians.
Speaking during the annual Methodist Church Easter Media Engagement, Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, emphasized the significance of the President heeding the voices of the Ghanaian people.
“Now we are praying that the President will also give his assent to it so that it becomes what Ghanaians have asked for.
“We are also planning to come up with a paper so we are planning to meet the president at the Jubilee House so that we can all think about the best way to go on this thing.”
An intriguing incident unfolded at the Methodist Church polling station in the Ga-North constituency of the Greater Accra Region during the district-level elections.
Despite being identical twins, a voter was denied the right to vote as the biometric system identified her as having already voted, even though her twin sister had successfully gone through the identification process earlier.
The Presiding Officer at the polling station characterized this as an unprecedented occurrence, suggesting it could be an attempt at double voting or a minor system glitch.
Residents, who were familiar with the twin sisters, expressed surprise at the system’s failure to distinguish between them.
One concerned resident raised questions about the potential challenges posed by such incidents, pondering if similar situations would arise with numerous sets of twins.
Stressing the need for the Electoral Commission to address this minor challenge, the resident noted that the twin who was denied voting refrained from complaining due to the nature of the district-level election.
The Electoral Commission’s decision to eliminate the use of indelible ink in this election and subsequent polls came under scrutiny following the incident. Traditionally, indelible ink is applied to voters’ fingerprints to prevent double voting and indicate those who have exercised their franchise.
The Commission’s rationale, as explained by EC chair Jean Mensa, was centered on the robust identification system provided by biometric technology, making it difficult for a verified voter to cast a second vote.
The Methodist Church, Ghana has commissioned a 50-bed capacity hospital at Twifo Ntafrewaso in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region to ensure quality healthcare delivery.
The move formed part of the Church’s strategic health agenda to promote access to health within targeted communities and assist the Government in its quest to realise the Universal Health goal.
The facility, operating in phases, begins with the Out-Patients Department (OPD), and after full completion, will become a surgical specialist centre of excellence for the training of all cadres of health professionals across Ghana.
The surgical specialist centre would bridge the gap in the training of health professionals in the country’s healthcare delivery system.
Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop, said the Church prioritised not only the spiritual needs of the people but their educational, health and general wellbeing for growth and development.
It had, therefore engaged in the establishment of schools, hospitals and provision of water and sanitation facilities, especially in difficult-to-reach communities.
He underscored the Church’s determination to forge stronger partnerships with the Government to bring development to the people.
The Presiding Bishop called stakeholders, particularly those to benefit directly from the hospital, to adapt best management methods to achieve its full purpose.
He charged the health professionals to be decorous and professional in dealing with patients as stipulated in international best practices.
The hospital becomes the fifth to be inaugurated among 26 health facilities commissioned by the Church across the country to support healthcare delivery.
Dr Peter Yeboah, Executive Director of Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), supervisors of religious health facilities in the country noted that the holistic development of humans included education, health and socio-economic development and was important to support in that regard.
Churches contribution towards development could not be downplayed he indicated and called for equitable distribution of resources to harness efforts to meet the sustainable development goal six .
CHAG was committed to assisting underserved, neglected communities to bridge the health inequities, which existed between rural and urban areas to ensure easy access to health by everyone in the country.
The support was an integral mission of Churches to ensure that the evangelization vision was manifested in health and healing of the people, Dr Yeboah added.
Nana Gyamrah Akoto II, Chief of Twifo Ntafrewaso, expressed gratitude to the Church and management for the support to improving quality healthcare delivery in the area.
He appealed to the health professionals to do its best to provide the quality service to gain trust and boost patronage at facility.
Speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Osafo, the Medical Director of Bank of Ghana, who represented the Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, commended the leadership of the Methodist church Ghana for their commitment and dedication in ensuring that the healthcare project which was started back in 1997 was finally completed. She indicated that Bank of Ghana decided to partner with the Methodist Hospital in November 2021 when the Bank of Ghana received an appeal from the Methodist Church Ghana to donate its decommissioned hospital and medical equipment to the Methodist Hospital at Twifo Ntaferewaso in the Central Region.
The Bank of Ghana partnered the Church to furbish the Hospital with medical equipment to support effective delivery of service to the people.
Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Osafo appealed to the Hospital Managers to establish a good maintenance culture and instil strong work ethics in the staff to ensure the efficient running of the Hospital.
The Methodist Church, Ghana has commissioned a 50-bed capacity hospital at Twifo Ntafrewaso in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region to ensure quality healthcare delivery.
The move formed part of the Church’s strategic health agenda to promote access to health within targeted communities and assist the Government in its quest to realise the Universal Health goal.
The facility, operating in phases, begins with the Out-Patients Department (OPD), and after full completion, will become a surgical specialist centre of excellence for the training of all cadres of health professionals across Ghana.
The surgical specialist centre would bridge the gap in the training of health professionals in the country’s healthcare delivery system.
Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop, said the Church prioritised not only the spiritual needs of the people but their educational, health and general wellbeing for growth and development.
It had, therefore engaged in the establishment of schools, hospitals and provision of water and sanitation facilities, especially in difficult-to-reach communities.
He underscored the Church’s determination to forge stronger partnerships with the Government to bring development to the people.
The Presiding Bishop called stakeholders, particularly those to benefit directly from the hospital, to adapt best management methods to achieve its full purpose.
He charged the health professionals to be decorous and professional in dealing with patients as stipulated in international best practices.
The hospital becomes the fifth to be inaugurated among 26 health facilities commissioned by the Church across the country to support healthcare delivery.
Dr Peter Yeboah, Executive Director of Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), supervisors of religious health facilities in the country noted that the holistic development of humans included education, health and socio-economic development and was important to support in that regard.
Churches contribution towards development could not be downplayed he indicated and called for equitable distribution of resources to harness efforts to meet the sustainable development goal six .
CHAG was committed to assisting underserved, neglected communities to bridge the health inequities, which existed between rural and urban areas to ensure easy access to health by everyone in the country.
The support was an integral mission of Churches to ensure that the evangelization vision was manifested in health and healing of the people, Dr Yeboah added.
Nana Gyamrah Akoto II, Chief of Twifo Ntafrewaso, expressed gratitude to the Church and management for the support to improving quality healthcare delivery in the area.
He appealed to the health professionals to do its best to provide the quality service to gain trust and boost patronage at facility.
Speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Osafo, the Medical Director of Bank of Ghana, who represented the Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, commended the leadership of the Methodist church Ghana for their commitment and dedication in ensuring that the healthcare project which was started back in 1997 was finally completed. She indicated that Bank of Ghana decided to partner with the Methodist Hospital in November 2021 when the Bank of Ghana received an appeal from the Methodist Church Ghana to donate its decommissioned hospital and medical equipment to the Methodist Hospital at Twifo Ntaferewaso in the Central Region.
The Bank of Ghana partnered the Church to furbish the Hospital with medical equipment to support effective delivery of service to the people.
Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Osafo appealed to the Hospital Managers to establish a good maintenance culture and instil strong work ethics in the staff to ensure the efficient running of the Hospital.
The Methodist Church of Ghana’s newly established Ho Diocese has appointed a former fetish priest as its bishop.
Rt. Rev. Matthew Zikpi was selected as a candidate because he rejected idolatry and advanced within the church.
When he was a student teacher in Asiana in the Ashanti Region in 1973, his uncle initiated him into voodoo.
In 1978, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Fetish Priest at the Alifia Shrine and taught himself how to tap palms for wine and distill local gin.
He was able to drink massive amounts of alcohol without getting intoxicated, hence no one has ever beaten him in a drinking contest.
In 1984, after repeated attempts by his older brother, he renounced his divinity, devoted his life to Christ, moved in with him and they joined the Methodist Church in Assin Atwereboanda.
When he returned all his possessions, he was cautioned about the consequences of discrediting the gods. Despite the warnings, he was committed to following Jesus Christ.
After earning a Theology Certificate with distinction from the University of Ghana, Legon and a Diploma in Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, Rt. Rev. Zikpi was commissioned into the Ordained Ministry of the Methodist Church in 2001.
He received his ministerial ordination in 2004 and worked for the church in a number of capacities before being appointed Bishop of the recently established Ho Diocese.
The Methodist Church of Ghana would intensify its economic empowerment drive among members to cushion them against the hardship in the country.
The Church would offer entrepreneurial skills training among others to position the congregation to earn extra income to support their livelihoods.
According to the Church’s Presiding Bishop, Most. Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, in addition to this, the church will continue to preach hope and the guaranteed salvation when one “accepts Jesus as Lord”.
He was speaking to the media on the sideline of the inauguration of the Ho Diocese and induction ceremony in the Volta Regional capital of Ho.
“At the church, we give proper orientation where we teach how to make life meaningful.
“The first point is accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life. The second point is where our young people are taken through various workshops, orientation and various educational program.
“We take them through the use of their hands, entrepreneurial skills. This is what we do”, he detailed.
He said the church will not encourage members to engage in economic activities which will degrade and pollute the environment.
He stressed that the inauguration of the Ho Diocese will bring the various opportunities and capacity building programs closer to the youth of the church
The ceremony saw the induction of Rt. Rev. Matthew Zikpi as the Bishop of the Ho Diocese and Brother Lawrence Antonio as the Lay Chairman of the Ho Diocese.
Kidnappings, often for ransom, are common in many parts of Nigeria.
There has also been a resurgence of attacks by armed gangs, including Islamist militant groups in the north, as the country prepares for a general election next year.
Much of the unrest in Nigeria’s south-east region stems from separatists who are demanding a breakaway state.
The government blames the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob)movement for many attacks in the region, which Ipob denies. But the group continues to enforce sit-at-home orders on Mondays, which are usually preceded by attacks on Sunday evenings to scare people into complying.
However it is not known who abducted the clergymen on Sunday, and a number of recent violent attacks in the country remain unsolved.
Recently a local MP was kidnapped by unknown gunmen. His headless body was later found.
In April, a male and a female soldier who hoped to get married were beheaded when they travelled to the region to inform their relatives about their planned wedding.
In a separate incident on Sunday morning, two people were abducted when gunmen entered their home in Lafia, Nasarawa state, near the capital Abuja. One person was shot dead during the attack.
Thieves have burgled the Methodist Church of Ghana at Tinkong in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern region.
The burglars made away with a Yamaha keyboard, 12 channels sound Mixer with an Amplify, Sound Exciter, 2500 Power Amplifier, and Cordless microphones.
The incident affected the mood of church members Sunday.
Rev. Maxwell Owusu, Minister in Charge of the local Methodist Church told Starr News, the suspects broke into the Church auditorium after damaging the main gate of the church to have access.
He said, the incident has been reported to the Adawso Police but no arrest has been made for now.
Tinkong Community is notorious for Church musical instrument theft.
A few months ago, the Presbyterian Church was similarly burgled with musical instruments stolen.
