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Have The Right Ministerial Mindset – Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Koduah Tells Clerics

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Pentecost University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, has advised ministers to develop the right mindset to excel in their ministerial calling.

According to him, developing the right ministerial mindset starts with knowing the mind of God concerning every issue, adding that, “ministers who want to succeed in ministry, need to always act in accordance with the pattern of God.”

The VC was speaking at the community service of the School of Theology, Mission and Leadership of the University at Gomoa Fetteh on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. He spoke on the theme, “The right ministerial mindset” with scripture reference from Philippians 2:5. 

Apostle Professor Agyapong-Kodua admonished ministers and ministers’ wives to continually lay themselves on the altar of God for Him to work on them. One way of doing this, he noted, is to consistently listen to sermons of senior ministers, saying: “A repeated message is better than a corrupted message.” 

The VC continued that the minister of God should do everything out of a pure heart and mind remembering that their lives are penetrated and saturated by the Holy Spirit. This, he averred, is only possible through a right relationship with the Holy Spirit.

He also stated that having the right ministerial mindset causes one to pray and believe in the supernatural intervention of God. He emphasised that “The one who has called us is faithful and values the work more than any other and so ministers should always commit their visions into God’s hands in prayer for God to take charge.”

Apostle Professor Agyapong-Koduah cautioned ministers to be sensitive to the feelings of members so that they do not hurt people, especially during their “growth and developmental periods.”

He cautioned that, unlike worldly leadership, the Christian leader does not lead through manipulation to gain influence, rather leadership influence is gained through his or her spiritual abilities.

The wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs. Vida Agyapong-Kodua, on her part, advised the ministers’ wives to be supportive of their spouses in ministry, to render their services faithfully and gracefully, and to offer their giftings for the growth of the church. She also encouraged ministers to make their wives happy so that they enjoy fruitful and peaceful ministries. 

In attendance at the event were Apostle Daniel and Mrs. Esther Nii-Teiko Tackie (the Chaplain and his wife), Pastor Fred Amoakohene Sarpong, and some faculty members.

Also present were the wives of ministerial students who joined their husbands for the regular Pastoralia course. The course is facilitated by the Teshie Nungua Area Head, Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah, and the Teshie Nungua Area Secretary, Pastor Ebenezer Korankye Agyapong, who doubles as the Resident Minister for PIWC-Graceland. 

Report by Eric Akude

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Use The Media To Advance The Course Of The Gospel – Chairman

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has tasked the newly created Pent Media Board to use the media to advance the course of the Kingdom business.

According to him, looking at the indispensable role of the media in modern society, the Church, since the launch of Vision 2023, has doubled its efforts in the use of media to advance its course.

“As a Church, we have come to recognise that the critical role the media plays in propagating the gospel, discipling members of the church, and transforming society cannot be overemphasised,” he said.

The Chairman was speaking at the Headquarters on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, during the orientation for the yet-to-be inaugurated Pent Media Board.

The Board, which will be inaugurated in September this year, is chaired by Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, Cape Coast Area Head and Executive Council Member. Other members of the board are: Elder Dr. Adom Adu-Amoah, Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (Secretary), Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse, Pastor Paul Odai Laryea, and Elder Charles O. Frimpong.

The rest are: Elder Matthew Nkansah, Elder Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Elder Lawyer Peter Adaliwe Kaba, Elder Isaac Boamah Darko, Elder Philip Osei Bonsu, Deaconess Efua Garbrah-Sarfo, and Ms Akua Boakyewa Yiadom.

The Pentecost Media Centre, an entity limited by guarantee, which the board will oversee, shall be the media subsidiary of the Church.

Apostle Nyamekye stated: “With the Vision 2023 objective of strengthening and realigning the Church’s institutions and structures, a key component has been to effectively synchronise the activities of all the media outlets (TV, Radio and Publications) to be on the cutting edge, professionally driven and adequately resourced to leverage on existing and emerging technologies so as to create, develop, package, upload and disseminate top-notched life-transforming content for the Church and public, on the various media platforms.

“For this objective to be effectively realised, Vision 2023 proposed the setting up of Pentecost Media Centre to hold the distinct media departments namely, Media Ministry Publications and PENT TV which used to be a company on its own.

“We believe that this reorganisation will consolidate the gains already made in the media landscape, strengthen The Church of Pentecost brand, and enhance our media presence.”

The mandate of the board includes guiding the unit heads to develop a strategic vision, mission, and goals for the  Pentecost Media Centre; ensure that the Media Centre has adequate human and material resources to carry out its mandate; develop policies for recruiting, supervising, evaluating, and compensating the human resources of the Media Centre, and see to the development and implementation of policies to protect the assets of the Media Centre, including storage and retrieval of messages and publications.

The Chairman of the board, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, expressed the committee’s appreciation to the Chairman of the Church for the confidence reposed in them.

Present at the event were the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi; the Fiance and Administration Director (FAD), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Larbi, Ministry Directors, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

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Chieftaincy Institution Is The Soul Of The Nation – Chairman Asserts

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has described the chieftaincy institution as the soul of the nation since chiefs play a critical role in Ghanaian society.

“Our chieftaincy institution is a major cultural heritage we have as Ghanaians. It has over centuries successfully provided a scope for a well-coordinated leadership for our Ghanaian society, especially at the community level. And indeed, it is one of the most respected institutions in our communities,” he said.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye said this during orientation for members of the yet-to-be inaugurated Chieftaincy Ministry National Committee on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at the Headquarters in Accra.

The 13-member committee, chaired by Elder Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, Paramount Chief of Yeji Traditional Area and President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, has the following as members: Elder Dr. Odeneho Affram Brempong (Paramount Chief of Suma Traditional Area), Elder Nana Bonya Kofi (Chief of Baseke) and Deaconess Nana Kofi Abuna V (Chief of Essipon).

Others are: Nana Kyerew Akenten (Queenmother of Mampongteng), Elder Ubor Stephen Tasan Konjar VI (Chief of Kpasah), Nii Afotey Anokwafo (Antwere Gonno Mantse), and Deaconess Augustina Homiah (Queenmother of Dunkwa Subinso).

The rest are: Elder Ubor Augustine Nigarim Poyari (Nalerigu a Kpankpann boorr), Elder Nana Akwasi Amoh Kyeretwie I (Chief of Akyem Abirem, New Abirem), Apostle Vincent Anane-Denteh (PEMEM Director), Apostle Lt. Col. Kumi Woode (Chaplaincy Board), and Elder Dr. Nana K. Gyasi (Member).  

Addressing the committee, the Chairman said that “the culture, tradition and governance system of the community revolves around the chieftaincy institution and as a church, we believe that our ability to influence this all-important institution will give us some inroads in our quest to bring transformation to our society.

Apostle Nyamekye noted that The Church of Pentecost recognises the critical role chiefs play in possessing the nations’ agenda of the Church, hence the holding of the “Royals Conference” the first of which was held in 2014.

According to the Chairman, Vision 2023 is seeking to go beyond organising conferences and create a ministry to the palaces to be known as “Ministry to the Chieftaincy Institution.” The new ministry, he said, shall be coordinated from the Office of the Chairman, and supported by the  PEMEM Directorate, through the National Committee.

In response, the Chairman of the Committee, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, on behalf of his team, thanked God and the leadership of the Church for bringing the chieftaincy institution on board.

According to him, the ministry will help to erase the wrong notion that the chieftaincy institution is devilish and all about idol worship.

He assured the leadership of the Church that his committee will do their best to ensure that the purpose for setting up the committee comes to pass.

The committee which will be inaugurated in September this year shall among other things see to the following:

  1. Bring queens and royals to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
  2. Mobilise and educate all CoP royals to influence their sphere with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God
  3. Institute committees/working groups at all levels of the church to minister to the chieftaincy institution through a well-coordinated chaplaincy ministry
  4. And coordinate the organisation of the national royals conferences for chiefs, queens and royals.

 Present at the orientation were the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi; the Finance and Administration Director (FAD), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko; Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Executive Council Member and Greater Accra Regional Coordinator) and Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Executive Council Member and Central Regional Coordinator).

PENTECOST NEWS.

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MPWD Donates To Wa School For The Blind, Others

by with No Comment Church NewsMPWDsTop Stories

The Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWDs), a specialised ministry of The Church of Pentecost, has donated items valued at GH¢16,795.00 to the Wa School for the Blind and 10 wheelchairs to some Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Wa and Tumu Areas of the church.

Among the many items donated were 50 white canes, two audio Bible listening devices, 10 bags of 50kg rice, five maxi bags of maize, five gallons of 25 litre oil, three boxes of tin fish, three boxes of tin tomatoes, three cartons of milk and 230 packs of cooked food.

Making the presentation to the Wa School for the Blind on Saturday, April 10, 2021, the National Coordinator of MPWDs, Overseer Alexander Nyame, stated that the gesture was part of the Church’s Vision 2023 agenda of “Possessing the Nations.”

He stated that students in specialised institutions do not pay fees and that the donation from the Church was to compliment the government’s effort and to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to them.

Rev. Grace Amoako, the Headmistress of the school, described the donation as timely. She was full of praise and appreciation to God and The Church of Pentecost for the gesture.

The Girl’s Prefect of the school, Barikise Mumuni, who was also delighted about the gesture, prayed for God’s blessing upon the church.

In an exhortation, Overseer Benjamin Teye Djabanor of Tanvaare District spoke on the topic, “The Mystical Love and Will of God for Us.” Reading from Ephesians 1:7-12 and 1 John 5:11-12, he established that the mystical love and will of God for humanity can only be found in Jesus Christ. He, therefore, challenged the students to give their lives to Christ.

In a related development, the MPWDs National Coordinator, on Friday, April 9, 2021, presented wheelchairs to individuals with various degrees of disabilities to aid their mobility. In all, a total of 10 wheelchairs were donated to PWDs in Sombo, Nandom, Eremon, Lawra, Kunfabiala, Babile, all in the Upper West Region.

By the grace of God, 11 persons were won during the presentation of the items to the PWDs. Five were won during a wheelchair presentation at Lambussie and another six at Wa School for the Blind.

Present were the Wa Area Head, Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie, and some ministers in the Area.

Report by Pastor Gordon Ansah, Wa.

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PIWC-Graceland Puts Up Church Building For Dorgoborn Assembly

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Pentecost International Worship Centre, Graceland (PIWC-Graceland) in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost has constructed a multipurpose church building for the Dorgoborn Assembly in the Tsopoli District of the Tema Area.

The building, which comprises an auditorium for church meetings and services, a children’s meeting place, an administrative office, six washrooms and a spacious car park, was constructed at a total cost of GH¢ 443, 292.00 fully funded by PIWC-Graceland.

The edifice was formally handed over to the Assembly during a special ceremony held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, and was dedicated by the Teshie-Nungua Area Head, Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah, at the same event. Apostle Dr. Koduah was assisted by Apostle Emmanuel Ankra-Badu (Tema Area Head), Pastor Frank Tandoh (Tsokpoli District Minister), Pastor Ebenezer Korankye Agyapong (Resident Minister, PIWC-Graceland), and other ministers of the Teshie-Nungua and Tema areas.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS on the sidelines of the event, Pastor Tandoh expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of PIWC-Graceland for the extraordinary gesture towards the Dorgoborn Assembly. He also thanked all who contributed in diverse ways to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Dorgoborn Assembly was created in 2019 following a successful four-day evangelistic rally jointly organised by PIWC-Graceland and the Tsopoli District. The young assembly currently has 50 adult members and 24 children.

PENTECOST NEWS

Teshie-Nungua Area Youth Ministry

Teshie-Nungua Area Youth Ministry Holds Training On Leadership

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Teshie-Nungua Area Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has held a day’s training seminar for 153 youth workers in the Area.

The training programme took place on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at the Agnes Boahemaa Gyimah Memorial Temple at Nungua C5, Accra.

Speaking at the event, the Area Youth Pastor, Ebenezer Korankye Agyapong, called on the youth to hear from God for themselves and not always listen to what others say concerning their lives.

“Find out what God is telling you; find out what God wants you to do for your district. Don’t simply follow what others are doing,” he said.

Using the story of the young prophet in 1 Kings 13:1-32, he said that the young prophet who was given clear instructions from God was deceived by an older and experienced prophet leading to the loss of his life.

Pastor Agyapong, who is also the Resident Minister of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Graceland said that although old people have experience, personal instructions from God should be taken seriously,” he said, adding, “The young prophet could have saved his ministry if he had followed the original instructions from God.”

He urged young people to accept challenges and new opportunities such as doing their national services in remote areas where they could support the work of the kingdom and get the opportunity to do ministry work.

He added that it is important to pray and consider a lot of things before taking major decisions in life. According to him, the desire and appetites of people have brought sin into their lives. “If we have eaten wrong things, we pray that God almighty who is rich in mercy should forgive us our sins,” he prayed.

He also urged youth workers to be wholly dedicated to the things of God once they accept the responsibility of leading the youth.

Pastor Ebenezer Korankye Agyapong also used the Dilemma Bible Discussion method to discuss the issues in the Bible verse.

The Resident Minister of Bethel Worship Centre, Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor, also spoke on the topic, “Excelling as a Youth Leader in a Glorious Church.”

Pastor Annor, who is also the General Manager of Pent TV, quoted several Bible texts including 2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 5:27; Isaiah 40;31; Ecclesiastes 10:10 and 2 Timothy 20:21, and listed four types of leaders, namely passive, parasite, prodigal and productive leaders.

“Passive leaders are post-conscious and do not do the required work while parasite leaders make good use of the influence associated with the position, taking advantage of the post to manipulate the members,” he stated.

According to Pastor Annor, prodigal leaders are a waste in the system as they do not produce results as expected of them.

“Productive leaders serve whole-heartedly. They learn, help and develop with the work,” he explained, adding, “They are also faithful, available, and teachable. They make conscious effort to develop others.”

He stated that good leadership is a daily gradual discovery of self, stressing that “champions are made on the training ground, not on the field.”

Pastor Kwasi Annor urged young leaders to imbibe the qualities of the eagle; have great vision with fortitude, be self-disciplined, carry themselves well, be responsible, think clearly, be resourceful, and well-grounded in their faith.

Report by Isabella Gyau Orhin.

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Twifo Agona District Mission House Dedicated

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Twifo Agona District mission house in the Twifo Praso Area of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

The facility was dedicated on November 13, 2020, by the Dunkwa Area Head, Apostle Jones Awuah Afrifa, assisted by the Twifo Agona District Minister, Pastor Sampson Dzefe.

The district used to be under the Dunkwa Area until the creation of the Twifo Praso Area in 2020.

The 4-bedroom manse with an office (study room), which was built at the cost of GH¢178,481.00, was funded by grants from the Headquarters, Dunkwa Area, La Area, District offering and donations from individuals.

Speaking on the theme, “The Glorious Church is Built According to God’s Pattern” (Exodus 25:39-40; 40:16), Apostle Jones Awuah Afrifa called on Christians to follow the principles of God if they want to be victorious in life.

He continued that members of the early church devoted themselves to prayer, fellowship and the study of the word of God, and those things made them unique people. “That was the pattern of God. The members of today’s church must do likewise to enable them possess the nations,” he said.

Apostle Awuah Afrifa concluded by calling on Christians to do whatever they can so that the power of God would be manifested in this present age with the demonstration of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

The Chief of Twifo Agona, Nana Benkye Awuah II, in showing appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for its numerous contributions towards the development of the community, promised to donate 5,000 pieces of blocks to support any future project that the church would embark on.

Present at the ceremony were Apostle John and Mrs. Mary Osei-Amaniampong (La Area Head), Mrs. Evelyn Dzefe (wife of the District Pastor), ministers of the church and their wives, chiefs and elders of the community, among others.

Report by Joseph Smiles Adu.

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Evangelism Ministry Supports Asantehene’s ‘Greenow’ Project

by with No Comment Church NewsEvangelism MinistryTop Stories

The Evangelism Ministry in the New Tafo Area of The Church of Pentecost has embarked on a seedling planting project at the catchment area of Lake Bosomtwi as part of the Environmental Care campaign.

The exercise was aimed at boosting the Asante Kingdom Landscape Restoration Programme initiated by the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, where 3million trees have been targeted on 4,000 hectares of land around the Lake Bosomtwi over a five-year period.

As part of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda of the church, the Environmental Care campaign was introduced to enlighten Christians on the need to be concerned about the environment.

The Area Evangelism Ministry, led by the Aboaso District Minister, Pastor Martin Kyeremeh, on May 15, 2021, planted 500 seedlings to support the initiative by the Asantehene.

According to Pastor Kyeremeh, it is the responsibility of every Christian to protect God’s creation since creation reveals God’s divine nature and absolute authority and ownership over all things.

He disclosed that the Area is embarking on the exercise in fulfillment of God’s word, preserve and restore lost forests, repair damaged ecosystems and mitigate climate changes.

“It is our mandate as believers to protect the creation of our Father and make sure that the water bodies and plants are safeguarded. Therefore, per The Church of Pentecost’s mandate, we were directed through the Chairman to take this step as part of the Environmental Care campaign to keep our environment green,” he said.

He entreated other ministries of the church to get onboard to combat global warming as trees help to absorb carbon dioxide, remove and store carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air.

“We are entreating other organisations, churches, and NGOs to support the Otumfuo’s afforestation project to help preserve God’s creation.

The Amakomhene, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, who represented the Asantehene, commended The Church of Pentecost for the gesture and encouraged other churches in the region to come onboard.

“We are grateful to The Church of Pentecost for helping to fulfil the dream of Asantehene to plant trees to sustain Lake Bosomtwi.

“It’s a good step the church has taken and we commend them. They have planted 500 seedlings at their own expense and we believe this will help to sustain the lake.

“Through this medium, I am calling on other churches, NGOs, and individuals to participate in this project,” the chief said.

Report by Owusu Dennis, New Tafo.

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The Church Of Pentecost Kick-Starts 1Million Tree Planting Project

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

All is set for The Church of Pentecost to plant and nurture one million (1 million) trees across the country as part of the church’s Environmental Care Campaign.

The Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Thursday, May 27, 2021, ceremoniously planted some trees at the General Headquarters of the church at La in Accra to officially mark the beginning of the national exercise.

The ambitious initiative of the church is in line with the Greening Ghana Project of the Government of Ghana, which aims at planting 5 million trees in June this year.

Beginning Saturday, May 29, 2021, all males in the church, under the auspices of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), will plant 50,000 seedlings across the country. It will be followed by the Evangelism Ministry who will plant 100,000 seedlings on Saturday, June 5.

The Women’s and Children’s Ministries will together plant 500,000 seedlings on Friday, June 11, while the Youth Ministry will mobilise all young persons in the church to plant 350,000 seedlings on Saturday, June 12.

Explaining the rationale behind the project, Apostle Nyamekye indicated that tree is life and, therefore, there is the need to safeguard the forest cover of the country.

He bemoaned the indiscriminate felling down of trees and the surge in the galamsey activities (illegal mining), especially in river bodies and forest zones which is posing a serious threat to both human and aquatic lives. “By planting trees, we are giving more life to the nation because the tree is life,” he said.

He disclosed that the church’s vision to green Ghana has been given an impetus following a decision by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to mobilise Ghanaians to plant 5million trees across the country.

The Chairman was hopeful that the intention will help transform lives in Ghana as the environment gets better.

According to him, though planting one million trees is an ambitious project, with the grace of God and the numbers that the church has, it is feasible.

The General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, on his part, thanked all stakeholders for supporting the vision of the church.

He entreated all members of the church to actively involve themselves in the exercise by planting and nurturing at least one tree.

The Coordinator for the project, Apostle Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, on behalf of the committee, thanked the leadership of the church for entrusting the project in the care of his team.

He disclosed that The Church of Pentecost is planting 20% of the 5million trees that the government intends to plant.

He encouraged members of the church and all local churches to ensure that trees are planted in the streets, schools, market places, church premises, and every available space to make the environment safe for all.

Mr. Benjamin Torgbor, an official of the Forestry Commission responsible for the project, expressed the Commission’s joy in partnering with The Church of Pentecost to make the Government’s vision a reality.

According to him, the objectives of the project among other things are to beautify the environment, protect water bodies, and mitigate climate change.

He commended the church for putting in place proper structures to ensure that the trees are nurtured and grow to realise the objectives for the project.

Mr. Torgbor disclosed that apart from The Church of Pentecost, other churches like the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Apostolic Church are planting 1million and 500,000 seedlings respectively, saying that the three churches are together planting 2.5million out of the 5million trees that the government plans to plant.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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To Punish Or Reform? A Church’s Prison Reformation Agenda Misjudged

by with No Comment ArticlesChurch News

Prisons serve as the final point in criminal justice administration since offenders are kept there as punishment for crimes committed. Imprisonment in recent times has transitioned from the era of offender warehousing to that which seeks to cure the precipitating factors that push people into the life of crime. This demands that ‘societal misfits’ are taken through modules aimed at realigning their way of thinking to acceptable societal standards so that offenders re-enter society truly reformed.

Unlike in jurisdictions with best practices, Ghana’s prison system has struggled over the years to develop prisons into real centres of rehabilitation. Successive governments have invested little in this regard leaving most prisons in deplorable states.

It is not surprising in the light of the above that Ghanaians seem to downplay the struggles prison authorities endure to ensure that offenders do not only remain under lock and key, but reform from the life of crime. The unfortunate situation has resulted in public disinterest in complementing the efforts of the Ghana Prisons Service directed at keeping society safe.

A Hero Castigated

In 2019, after years of near unsuccessful attempts at courting public partnerships for the expansion of prison infrastructure, The Church of Pentecost emerged as a worthy partner to fund this essential change. The church, which has contributed substantially to the reformation drive of the Service through evangelism and medical outreaches, had its Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamkeye, cut the sod for the commencement of construction of five 300-capacity camp prisons across the country.

Refreshingly, the first facility situated in Ejura was commissioned and handed over to the Ghana Prisons Service on the 11th of May 2021. This becomes one of the few purpose-built prison facilities in the country. The facility consists of two dormitory blocks, an administration block, visitor’s lounge, an infirmary, a church building, workshops, a football field and other essential offices.

It is sad to note that news of this magnanimous gesture has been described as a misplaced priority by a section of Ghanaians. The flak has centred around why a church would build a facility to house offenders instead of schools, health facilities and factories. This is a clear indication that most Ghanaians do not see the prison as an extension of society but rather as ‘a devil’s den’ for punishing offenders. It is clear also that, society see little or nothing wrong with the deplorable conditions in our prisons resulting in the seeming disgust after the first pictures of the facility hit the media.

Ironically, society is quick to mention that some incarcerated persons re-enter society unchanged. They say so without realising that our prisons require humane environments equipped with the right infrastructure to take inmates through structured regimes that will ensure that they come out of prison as individuals willing and able to lead law abiding lives.

Congestion Festers into Homosexuality, Diseases and Recidivism

The congestion rate in our prisons stands at around 52% with about 15,000 prisoners struggling for 9,945 spaces. Prison administrators due to the overwhelming numbers are unable to do proper classification of inmates to prevent contamination and limit the exposure of low-risk inmates to their high-risk colleagues. Weaklings who find themselves in same cells as powerful recidivists are sometimes bullied to trade their bodies for sleeping spaces.

Most of Ghana’s prisons are remnants of the colonial era. These forts, castles and armouries are not purpose-built and as such do not present environments that support healthy living. Congestion in these facilities allow for easy transmission of diseases. Though the prison administration over the years has attempted to alter facilities to make them more habitable, outbreaks of communicable diseases suggest that there is the need to invest in building requisite structures to support the wellbeing of offenders. One effect of the situation is that inmates lack the peace of mind and strength required to subscribe to prison rehabilitation programmes.

Another worrying trend in this direction is the fact that, some offenders come out of prison just the way they entered; unskilled. The reason is that trade-learning workshops required to champion the rehabilitation agenda of the Service are non-existent in most prisons. The few ones lucky to have them are highly under-resourced. In effect, most offenders are not able to receive any form of trade training throughout their incarceration. These ex-convicts, under the slightest temptation, relapse into the life of crime after release as a way of survival due to unemployment.

Why Prioritise Prison Reform?

Only a small number of Ghana’s prisoners spend their entire lives in prison, as most of them are released at a point. This is the reason why all should follow the unprecedented example of The Church of Pentecost by contributing to ensuring that offenders receive requisite moral and trade training to support meaningful living upon discharge. It will also ensure that, they serve their sentences without feeling rejected by the society they call their own. 

All should note that Ghanaians cannot enjoy sound sleep if ex-convicts re-enter society with the thought that they were unduly punished during their period behind bars. They could engage in crimes as payback for the pains they suffered behind bars. The next time you are tempted to discourage a donor from supporting prison reform, be reminded that the prison is everybody’s second home. It takes the lenses of justice to point to us that we are not saints after all.

By: Daniel Machator, Public Relations Practitioner (machator@hotmail.com)