As the curtain falls on years of faithful service, twenty-five gallant soldiers of the Cross are set to lay down their pastoral duties on Sunday, July 27, 2025. These devoted ministers of The Church of Pentecost, having laboured tirelessly in the Lord’s vineyard, will retire from active service across various districts in Ghana, bringing to a close decades of selfless service and steadfast commitment to God and humanity.
Their years of service range from 24 to a remarkable 35, bearing witness to their loyal devotion and obedience to their divine calling.
At the heart of this sacred transition stands Pastor Johanes Koku Agoba of the Ashaiman Bethlehem District, whose 35-year journey of spiritual stewardship draws to a close. Alongside him, Pastor Godfred Kwadzo Okwan of Ngleshie-Amanfro District in the Downtown-Ofaakor Area also concludes a distinguished 35-year ministry.
In Tema Area’s Kpone District and Takoradi Area’s Adientem District, Pastors Robert Ofori Agyemang and Samuel Ransford Mokwah Essel respectively bid farewell after 32 years of faithful service. Their departure marks the end of an era in their ministry.
From Dansoman Sahara to Tarkwa Makro in Suame Area, and from Anyinam in Suhum Area to Kasoa New Town and Asamankese James Town, five more shepherds – Pastors Dickson Otchere Darko, Solomon Abunyan Odame, Samuel Larbi, Wisdom Kwaku Kpeli, and Stephen Kwesi Ewusie-Ocran – will each retire after 30 years of meritorious ministry.
In Atonsu Bokro in Kumasi, Pastor Samuel Kissi Agyekum concludes 28 years of service, while Pastors Isaac Siaw Lartey (Asuofua, Suame Area), Joseph Yao Gblornaku (Dzodze, Aflao Area), and Gordon Kofi Essiam (Agona Ahanta, Takoradi Area) each complete 27 years of impactul labour in the Lord.
The districts of South Suntreso (Bompata Area), Mamponteng (Old Tafo Area), and Prestea (Bogoso Area) will honour Pastors Daniel Nii Okaija Sackey, Stephen Ayerakwa Gyan, and Isaac Kingsford Effisah respectively, each retiring after 26 years of service.
A further seven ministers – Pastors Clemence Quablah Adrakpanya (Oyibi, Amrahia Area), Emmanuel Kofi Ofosu (Nyanyano, Kasoa Area), Joseph Kojo Mensah (Asutsuare, Agormanya Area), Alexander Kwadzo Agbozo (Akatsi, Sogakope Area), Alexander Kwabena Abrafi (Ayanfuri, Dunkwa Area), Stephen Kofi Owoahene-Acheampong (Agogo, Konongo Area), and Samuel Owiredu (Datano, Ashanti Bekwai Area) – will each bring to a close 25 years of devoted ministry.
Finally, in Ejura Community (Mampong Area) and Ahenkro (Offinso Area), Pastors Stephen Kow Baffoe and John Enoch Baiden will be celebrated for their 24 years of faithful service.
In preparation for this new chapter, the Church’s Pension Board hosted a three-day seminar from July 16-18, 2025, at the Pension Guest House in Gbawe, Accra. Together with their wives, the retiring ministers were guided through a series of enlightening sessions designed to equip them for life beyond the pulpit.
Topics covered during the seminar included: “The Practical Life of the Retiree” by Apostle Dr Alfred Koduah (retired, former General Secretary of the Church), “Tit-bits of Investment” by Elder Paul Kofi Mante of Ecobank Development Corporation (EDC), and “Education on Retirement” by Mrs Mabel Darko (wife of a retired minister).
Other insightful sessions were “The Role of Retired Ministers in Ministry Activities” by Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director/Executive Council Member), “Health and Diet for the Aged” by Apostle Dr Edward Arko Koranteng (Medical Director, Pentecost Hospital, Madina), “The COP Pension Policy and Financial Planning for Retirement” by Pastor Emmanuel Kobina Appah (FAD), and “The Responsibilities of Retired Ministers’ Children Towards Their Parents” by Apostle James Orhin Agyin (Projects and Estate Manager), among others.
These sessions were thoughtfully designed to prepare the retiring ministers and their wives, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically for the next chapter of their lives.
As these gallant men of God step into a well-earned rest, the Church and the nation salute their legacy. May the Lord, whom they have served so faithfully, bless them with peace, purpose, and fruitfulness in this new season of life.
On August 17, precisely two weeks from today, nine distinguished ministers of The Church of Pentecost Ghana, all serving in the capacity of Area Heads, will officially conclude their service in active ministry.
Congratulations, noble servants. Your labour in the Lord has not been in vain.
Written by Fred Tettey Alarti-Amoako (Head, Publications Unit, Pent Media Centre)
