Posts in category: Church News

A celebratory retirement service was held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the Mamponteng Central Assembly auditorium in Kumasi in honour of Pastor Stephen Ayerakwa Gyan and his wife, Mrs. Gladys Gyan, who have faithfully served in the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost for 26 years.

The well-attended event was characterised by joy, gratitude and warm tributes from the Church and community. The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, chaired the service, assisted by the Old Tafo Area Head, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, and other Area Heads from the Ashanti Region.

Several relatives of the retiring couple, traditional leaders, ministers and ministers’ wives from across the country, officers, as well as members from the Mamponteng District and past duty stations also graced the momentous occasion.

In a touching sermon titled “The Faithful Servant and His Reward,” Apostle Obuobi asserted that faithfulness is the very nature of God hence it is expected that the same trait be seen in His children (Christians).

Quoting Matthew 25:21 and 1 Corinthians 4:2, he highlighted three key areas of faithfulness—faithfulness to God, to the holy calling, and to the Church as the institution that provides a platform for ministry. “God does not reward titles; He rewards faithfulness,” he stressed.

He described a faithful servant as one who is obedient, humble, diligent, and committed, adding that even small acts of faithfulness attract divine reward.

“We need a generation of faithful Christians,” he charged, stressing the values of obedience, humility, diligence, and commitment.

Pastor Stephen Ayerakwa Gyan, affectionately called “Cardinal” by his colleagues, began ministry in 1999 after a career that included roles as a sales personnel, factory apprentice, entrepreneur, and pharmacy cashier. He was called into the full-time ministry from Takoradi and served in Oppong Valley, Worawora, Japekrom, Agbogba, and finally, Mamponteng District.

Throughout his ministry, he distinguished himself as a principled, prayerful, and Spirit-filled leader. Under his leadership, the Mamponteng District saw significant growth in membership, evangelism initiatives like “I Know My Sheep”, infrastructural development, and strong pastoral care. His ministry has been marked by a strong emphasis on prayer, sound teaching, church growth, pastoral care, and leadership. His sermons, marked by depth, clarity, and practical illustrations, left lasting impact.

Mrs. Gladys Ayerakwa Gyan, a loving and prayerful support to her husband, was also praised for her humility, wisdom, and nurturing spirit. Known for her hospitality and vibrant role in the Women’s Ministry, she helped strengthen prayer groups and mentored many officers’ wives.

Elder Charles Ayerakwa Gyan, one of the four children of the retiring couple, was also specially acknowledged during the service for his exceptional commitment to the work of the Church. Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful praised his active involvement in all ministries of the Church within the Mamponteng District and the Old Tafo Area at large.

“Charles has contributed significantly to his father’s ministry, particularly during their time here at Mamponteng. He will be dearly missed,” Apostle Nsaful remarked.

In glowing testimonies, the General Council, the Old Tafo Area Pastorate, the Mamponteng District Presbytery, and the Women’s Ministry all hailed the couple’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and Christ-like lifestyle. They were presented citations and a plaque of service as physical testimonials of the great service to God and humanity.

The General Secretary commended Pastor and Mrs. Ayerakwa Gyan for serving as true examples of faithfulness, and then led the ministers and congregants present to pray for a restful, fruitful and refreshing retirement for the couple.

PENT NEWS.

Members of The Church of Pentecost in Ashaiman and its environs and loved ones from across the nation and beyond converged at the Ashaiman Bethlehem Central assembly auditorium of the church to bid farewell to Pastor Johanes Koku Agoba and his wife, Mrs Grace Evelyn Agoba, who have meritoriously served in the full-time pastoral ministry for 35 years.

The retirement service, held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, was officiated by the immediate past General Secretary of the church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who also serves as the Ashaiman Area Head and Chairman of the Prisons Council of the Republic of Ghana.

Supporting him were Apostle Dr Christian Tsekpoe (Head of Ministerial Formation, Pentecost School of Theology and Missions – PSTML), and Apostle Professor Agyapong Kodua (Vice-Chancellor, Pentecost University), among others.

Also present were the Ashaiman Area Pastorate, retired ministers of the church, and many others who had been blessed by Pastor Agoba’s ministry.

Sermon

Delivering a stirring sermon titled, ‘Crossing the Finishing Line,’ Apostle Kumi-Larbi admonished believers to pursue endurance and discipline in their Christian walk.

Quoting from 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and Hebrews 12:1–3, he likened the Christian journey to a demanding marathon that requires focus and perseverance. He emphasised that while starting is easy, finishing well is the real challenge, referencing Ecclesiastes 7:8.

He encouraged believers to surrender their personal rights in love, steer clear of spiritual disqualification, and rely on God’s grace to remain steadfast through trials.

Life of Pastor Agoba

Born on June 8, 1960, Pastor Johanes Koku Agoba began his full-time ministry in 1990 after an earlier career as a teacher. His 35-year ministerial journey took him through 12 different stations, including The Gambia, where he pioneered the Pentecost School in Banjul and led a team that planted The Church of Pentecost in Guinea-Bissau. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the church’s presence in Egypt.

A seasoned theologian and administrator, Pastor Agoba served as a lecturer and later Registrar at the Pentecost Theological Seminary (PTS). He was instrumental in the training of Francophone ministers and contributed to the upgrade of the Ministers’ Wives’ Course into a Certificate in Christian Ministry programme.

During the service, multiple testimonies were read in his honour. He was praised for his integrity, discipline, humility, and strict adherence to church policies. His leadership was described as visionary, structured, and impactful.

Equally celebrated was Mrs Grace Evelyn Agoba, who was hailed for her quiet strength, deep compassion, and support of her husband’s ministry. She was a mother figure to many and ministered to women, youth, and children with love, grace, and generosity.

Together, the Agobas have raised a godly home, with all four of their children actively serving the Lord in various capacities.

The General Council of the church, the Ashaiman Area Pastorate, the Bethlehem District Presbytery and the Women’s Ministry all commended the couple for their exemplary service and lasting impact on the church.

Pent News

The Oyibi District Central Auditorium in the Amrahia Area of The Church of Pentecost was filled beyond capacity, resulting in a significant overflow, as worshippers gathered on Sunday, July 27, 2025, to bid farewell to Pastor Clemence Quablah Adrakpanya and his wife, Happy. The occasion marked the culmination of Pastor Adrakpanya’s 25 years of dedicated pastoral service in the church.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with heartfelt worship and praise as congregants sang joyfully, expressing gratitude to God for guiding Pastor Adrakpanya and his wife throughout their ministerial journey.

The service was officiated by the Missions Director of the church, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, with support from the Amrahia Area Head, Apostle Samuel Berko. The event drew attendees from across the country, including both active and retired ministers.

Profile of Pastor Clemence Quablah Adrakpanya

Born 65 years ago at Afife in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region, Pastor Adrakpanya converted to Christianity and joined The Church of Pentecost in 1982. He was ordained as an elder in 1985 and entered full-time ministry in the Aflao Area in 2000. Following his training at the Pentecost Bible College in Sowutuom, he was posted to Kramokrom in the Sefwi Wiawso Area, where he served until 2006.

His subsequent postings included: Adutor in the Aflao Area (2006–2010), Juapong in the Agormanya Area (2010–2015), Huni Valley in the Tarkwa Area (2015–2021), and Oyibi in the Madina/Amrahia Areas (2021–2025)

Throughout his ministry, Pastor Adrakpanya served on numerous committees. He was PENTSOS Chairman in the Aflao Area (2006–2010), a member of the Missions Committee in the Tarkwa Area (2017–2021), and Chieftaincy Coordinator in the Madina Area (2021–2024), continuing in the same role when the Amrahia Area was carved out. He also served as the Madina Area Chairman for the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and led the Oyibi Council of Churches.

Testimonies

The General Council, in its testimony, highlighted the couple’s commitment, spiritual fervour, and deep love for the congregations they served. According to the General Council, Pastor Adrakpanya’s ministry was characterised by a strong emphasis on prayer, which brought spiritual renewal and growth to the churches under his care. His passion for evangelism and church planting led to the establishment of numerous assemblies and the salvation of many souls.

The Council further praised his teaching ministry, stating: ‘His sermons are rich in biblical truth, delivered with clarity, conviction, and spiritual maturity.’

They also commended his mentorship of young ministers and his collaborative spirit, always eager to share insights and best practices for the collective advancement of the church.

Other groups, including the District Women’s Ministry, District Presbytery, and the Amrahia Area Pastorate, also lauded the impactful ministry of Pastor Clemence and Mrs Happy Adrakpanya, noting the lasting transformation they brought to the district.

Sermon

In a sermon titled ‘Appointed to His Service’ based on 1 Timothy 1:12, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe exhorted those called into God’s service to serve in alignment with His divine purpose. He indicated that when God calls, He entrusts His people with sound doctrine that aligns with the gospel of Christ.

He explained that God bestows grace upon those He calls, shows them mercy, considers them trustworthy, and grants them the strength needed to pursue the work of the gospel.

Pent News

An office complex located in Kronum, a suburb of Kumasi, has been dedicated to serve as the administrative hub for three Areas of The Church of Pentecost in Kumasi: New Tafo, Old Tafo, and Suame.

The fully furnished office complex was dedicated by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The modern office complex represents the fruition of a vision conceived over 25 years ago. In September 1999, the New Tafo Area was carved out of the Asokwa Area, with Apostle D. K. Arnan as its pioneer Area Head, followed by Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (1999–2005) and Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (2005–2009).

When the Suame Area was created from New Tafo in 2009, Apostle John Appiah Aidoo became its first Area Head. Initially, New Tafo operated temporarily from the Asokwa Area office. In response, Apostle Ayerakwa initiated three key infrastructure projects, including the Area Office Complex, a Mission House, and Pentecost Senior High School, and laid the foundation stone for the office complex on 19^th June 2005.

Though originally planned to serve only New Tafo, the building now accommodates all three Areas—housing offices, conference halls, guest rooms for visiting ministers, and a kitchen.

Speaking at the dedication service, Apostle Eric Nyamekye emphasised that divine wisdom is more than mere knowledge since it is the essential foundation for building enduring lives, institutions, and relationships.

Quoting Proverbs 24:3–4, he reminded the congregation that by wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge its rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

He explained that the ‘house’ mentioned in the scripture symbolises anything of supreme value, and shared how God employed wisdom to create all things, including reserving humanity’s creation until last, so that humankind would not be in need.

‘Apart from our need for God and His Word, our greatest need as humans is wisdom; wisdom from God,’ Apostle Nyamekye declared, urging believers to seek divine insight for every area of life.

He further cautioned: ‘As Christians, we are like sheep among wolves; we all need wisdom,’ highlighting its role in leadership, family, business, and community service.

Present at the dedication ceremony were Apostle Bright Nyamedor (Director, Ghana Evangelism Committee); Prophet Tetteh Doku (New Tafo Area Head) and his wife, Victoria; Apostle John Obeng Kesse (Suame Area Head) and his wife, Eunice; Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful (Old Tafo Area Head) and his wife, Mary; Apostle Seth Dwamena Asante and his wife, Margaret (Nkwanta Area Head); Apostle James Oko Banor (Ejisu Area Head); and Apostle Victor Asamoah (Bompata Area Head).

Also in attendance were Elder Dr Lawyer Ken Aboah (Trustee, The Church of Pentecost) and Elder Dr Nana K. Gyasi.

Pent News

The Ashaiman Area of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, honoured Elders Elvis Otoo (The immediate past Area Deacon) and Abraham Asante-Obeng (Executive Committee Member) for their dedicated and exemplary service on the Area Executive Committee, having served for thirteen and eight years, respectively.

The Appreciation Service took place at the Ashaiman Estate James McKeown Temple. During the event, the Area Head, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, delivered a sermon titled, ‘Sacrificial Service and Eternal Rewards,’ based on Matthew 20:28, John 13:14–15, and Romans 16:1–23. He indicated that the Christian faith exists today because of Christ’s sacrificial giving, referencing Philippians 2:6–8.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi defined sacrificial giving as ‘relinquishing what rightfully belongs to you for the benefit of others, without expecting anything in return.’ He identified time, money, talents, skills, knowledge, strength, and property as resources that can be offered in sacrificial service, stressing that the one who gives sacrificially is someone who has truly experienced and appreciates God’s love, mercy, and salvation.

He encouraged ministers, officers, and all church workers to serve diligently without seeking earthly rewards, stating, ‘When we serve faithfully as good stewards, our labour in the Lord will never be in vain.’

Elder Elvis Otoo has served as the Ashaiman Area Deacon since the Area’s inception, working with all previous Area Heads to date. Elder Abraham Asante-Obeng also served as an Executive Committee member under three different Area Heads. The Ashaiman Area commended both men for their years of sacrificial service and acknowledged the invaluable support of their families throughout their ministry.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Obuasi Area Head), Apostle Patrick Kingsley Ennin (Retired), Apostle Emmanuel Akpabli (Retired), Apostle J. K. Barabu (Retired), Apostle Dr Samuel Gakpetor and his wife (Agormanya Area Head), Apostle David Amankwaa (Bolgatanga Area Head), Elder Professor Stephen Owusu Kwankye (Finance Board Chairman), and Area Deacons from across the country.

Report by Ashaiman Area Media Team