By Dr. Carl ODAME-GYENTI
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has continued to remain a relevant partner to the socio-economic development of Ghana since its establishment in 1828. To celebrate its almost 200 years in Ghana, the church’s impact on the health and education sectors, spiritual growth and supporting the moral upbringing of members cannot be overestimated; and this is commendable.
Over the last 15 years, the PCG – Trinity Congregation, Kutunse have had the opportunity of receiving very renowned ministers like Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong and other predecessors. Standing on their shoulders and leadership, Rev. Abraham Opoku-Baffour has been instrumental in transforming the church; and to mention a few:
- The Church has seen significant growth both spiritually and in physical membership c.900 in his tenor as minister.
- Trinity Congregation is one of the few churches in Ghana that runs three (3) Sunday services post-pandemic, where the services starts at 7:00am, 9:00am 11:00am.
- For the last 6 years, his flagship programme – ‘The Unquenchable Fire Camp’ – that runs from 6:00am – 600pm every January and August continues to bless many lives around the world.
- He instituted a monthly Holy Ghost Service that continues to bring great and anointed men of God to share the gospel at church. These mega services run every 1st Sunday of every month. Notable men who have preached at the event include Evan. Dr Abboah Offei, Bishop Dr. Yaw Owusu-Ansah, Pastor Kojo Frimpong, Rev.. Daniel K Ayim, Rev. Eric Botchway, Rev. Chris Baah Nartey,
- He led the session to improve the lives of members during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing necessities to uplift the standard of living in those difficult times. Various items, including food, were distributed to members of the church and also to members of different congregations.
- He ensured to provide free wedding cakes, fridges, microwaves, for every couple who married within the church and a special package where the couple is in the church. This was aimed at easing the burden on fresh couples regarding some of the basic things. This is enviable within the community and sister churches.
- He helped the church to acquire several lands and other properties to be developed for schools, social centre,
- To spread the gospel and encourage reading of scriptures, he raised funds to distribute over 1000 Bibles to the Satellite, Kutunse Community. These initiatives saw new converts coming to the church and it increased overall membership.
- As a man passionate about the work of God, he organised mega crusades at Satellite Junction and the church premises to propagate the gospel. Several lives were saved and turned to Christ.
- In his tenor, a Credit Union has been set up within the church, aimed at providing financial support and increased financial literacy on savings, investments and financial m
- He led the church to purchase a high-quality line array speakers (YME Systems) and accessories to improve on the sound. This has helped the church to host major programmes without periodic rentals which could have impact on the church finances.
- To inspire the youth within the Satellite -Kutunse Community to Christ, Trinity Football Team was set up and inaugurated to help reach the youth with the gospel through football.
- As a proud ‘PRESECan’, education remained a key hallmark and integral part to support the youth. He instituted a scholarship scheme in the congregation to support needy and brilliant students to gain access to Senior High Schools in Ghana.
- Following the deadly explosion in Apiatse which occurred in January 2022, claiming 13 lives and injuring many people, he led the church to support and donate some undisclosed cash to the Apiatse Foundation in March 2022.
- Celebrations are important to some church members; he instituted a monthly birthday celebration team to reach every member of the church to wish them well and pray with them. This has helped members to stay closer to one another.
- He led the church to financially support widows and members at church with critical needs, to meet their daily needs.
- The road network leading to the church premises needed a major facelift, and he led the church to support the road maintenance works with funding, helping the community members better their lives.
- He continued to be a regular speaker on Joy FM for ‘Joy Time in His Presence’ morning devotion and on Adom FM. This he did so well that it facilitated the exposure of Trinity Congregation, Kutunse and the Presbyterian Church at large.
- In the wake of the unstable power supply in the country, he helped the church purchase a power plant to ensure seamless service and programme
- Long pews are usually seen in many orthodox churches. However, under his leadership, he led the church to acquire over 250 comfortable chairs befitting a chapel for a modern church.
- Through his efforts, the church is almost completing an ultramodern manse (mission house) to accommodate reverend ministers who will come and work within the district.
- The Trinity Congregation was established some 18 years ago and his time, he led the church to attain a district status in 2024 from being a mission field.
- As part of efforts to deepen relationship between churches, he approved and facilitated a youth delegation from Accra to Jirapa in the Upper West Region, where food items and undisclosed amount of cash was donated to the Jirapa Presby Congregation.
- During his tenure, the church hosted prominent and renowned gospel artists such as Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Tagoe Sister, Evan. Diana Asamoah, Cece Twum, SP Kofi Sarpong, Becky Bonnie, Nii Okine and many others.
- Through his initiative, for the first time, the Trinity Congregation had its brigade inaugurated with about 80 boys and girls on parade.
- We also know that he couldn’t have achieved some of these without the able support of the wife, Session and members. We are humbled by his desire to impact lives and the next generation.
On September 15 2024, he is being transferred as a district minister from the church to another sister church. It is a major milestone; and as he moves on to the next level in ministry, I – together with congregants – wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for his exemplary leadership, vision, growth mindset and passion for Ministry.
While I acknowledge that he did all these things for God and not for man, it is marvellous in the eyes of every member at Trinity Congregation, Kutunse. As he always says at church ‘meko a mob3 fe me’ literally meaning ‘if I go you will miss me’. You haven’t gone yet; but we are already missing your selfless leadership.
I celebrate you for standing on the shoulders of your predecessors, Session and with support from the entire congregation and impacting the youth with unadulterated word. You are a man called by God to do His work. We hope that the next Chapters ahead will bring good health and joy.
>>>Disclaimer: The views expressed are personal views and doesn’t represent that of the media house or institution the writer works.
>>>Credit: David Noi, Francisca Atubra
>>> the writer is the author of Dare to Dream book, a Presbyterian and Banker with an International Bank in Nairobi Kenya, East Africa. Contact: [email protected], Cell: +254 70 5459061
