Eco-Impact Network, a non-governmental organisation inspired by The Church of Pentecost’s Vision 2028 and Environmental Care Campaign, was officially launched today [Friday, January 5, 2024] at a short ceremony in Accra.
The colourful event was chaired by Pastor Dr. Nicholas Darko (Rtd.), former Finance and Administration Director of the Church and currently the Financial Controller for the National Cathedral project.
The event was also graced by representatives of partner organisations and agencies, namely the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC), the committee in charge of implementing the Environmental Care Campaign of The Church of Pentecost; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and the Environmental Health Department of Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), as well as collaborative ministries such as Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development (MLGRD) and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR).
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Eco Impact Network, Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah (a Deaconess of the Church who fellowships with the Greda Estate District in the Teshie-Nungua Area), stated that her organisation is committed to positively influencing the younger generation through environmental consciousness and sustainable living practices for a healthier planet.
According to her, Eco Impact Network is poised to create a healthy society for all by educating and instilling a profound understanding of the environment and its crucial role in sustaining life on earth in the younger generation.
“We recognise the vital role that education plays in shaping the future. Therefore, our focus extends to schools, particularly the basic schools in the Krowor Municipality and other deprived areas in the Greater Accra Region and beyond,” the Executive Director said.
She added: “It is imperative for everyone, young and old, to grasp the significance of protecting our environment, and we are determined to be the catalysts for this awareness.”
In her speech, Mrs Lilian Adu-Kumi of the Environmental Protection Agency said that industrialisation had brought many economic benefits to humanity but has also taken a toll on the environment, leading to severe pollution and exploitation of natural resources, causing long-term damage.
She noted that the mission of Eco Impact Network aligns well with the EPA’s mission for Ghana and pledged her outfit’s support to the NGO’s cause.
“Young people are important stakeholders in addressing environmental issues because the future is theirs, and equipping them with environmental knowledge will place them in a better position to appreciate environmental discourses and be passionate about contributing to protecting our environment,” she said.
The representative of the Environmental Health Department of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Younge, commended Eco Impact Network for fervently committing to initiating a comprehensive health education campaign focused on hygiene within schools, communities, and industries.
“We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration and explore ways in which TMA and other government agencies can synergise efforts toward this noble cause,” he said.
Pastor Eric Ansah, representing the National Coordinator of the Environmental Care Campaign of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, said that the creation of the Eco Impact Network aligns perfectly with Vision 2028 of the Church, encouraging members to make a meaningful impact outside of the Church.
He commended Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah, the Executive Director, for undertaking such a worthy initiative and assured her of the Church’s support in ensuring that their collaborative efforts yield results for a healthier planet.
Pastor Dr Nicholas Darko, in his remarks, expressed his delight that environmental issues are receiving the needed attention as he shared some damning statistics with the audience.
He noted that the inception of the Network is divine and the beginning of something bigger that will significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment.
He then joined the various dignitaries present to officially launch the network.
Also present at the event were Pastor Charles Amponsah Baah (Greda Estate District), Pastor Emmanuel Marfo (CERSI, Pentecost University), Pastor William Amponsah Asiamah (Kwabenya Old Town District), Mr Edward Ofori-Yeboah (Spouse of the Eco-Impact Network Executive Director), Mrs Mabel Darko (Wife of the Chairperson), as well as some relatives and well-wishers.
PENTECOST NEWS.
