PENTSOS Director Encourages Ex-Offenders To Embrace Entrepreneurship web.jpg

PENTSOS Director Encourages Ex-Offenders To Embrace Entrepreneurship

The Director of Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), Pastor Benjamin Asare Yeboah, has encouraged prison associates to embrace entrepreneurship as a practical pathway to economic independence, dignity, and successful reintegration into society.

Speaking on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Prison Associates’ Conference (PRISACON) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) Gomoa-Yesukrom on the topic, “Entrepreneurship: Engaging in a Profitable Venture That Can Be Sustained and Expanded,” Pastor Asare Yeboah acknowledged the challenges many ex-offenders face after leaving prison, particularly social stigma, unemployment, and limited opportunities for reintegration.

According to him, the inability of many ex-offenders to secure employment contributes significantly to recidivism, noting that societal rejection and economic hardship often push individuals back into crime.

He, however, encouraged participants not to surrender to societal limitations but to intentionally create opportunities for themselves through entrepreneurship and skills development.

“You do not need society’s permission to create value for yourself,” he stated.

Pastor Asare Yeboah urged prison associates to start small, remain disciplined, and build trust gradually within their communities.

He explained that the first few months after release are critical, stressing the importance of reconnecting with family, demonstrating responsibility, and engaging in honest work, no matter how small the beginning may appear.

“Consistency is the proof of change people will believe,” he emphasised.

According to him, entrepreneurship offers ex-offenders an opportunity to rebuild confidence and regain dignity without depending entirely on formal employment systems.

He encouraged participants to identify needs within their communities and use available skills, talents, and resources to provide services and generate income.

Touching on personal development, Pastor Asare Yeboah highlighted discipline, honesty, creativity, patience, and persistence as essential qualities for building sustainable businesses.

He also advised participants to avoid reckless spending, manage money wisely, and protect themselves from common financial scams.

The PENTSOS Director further identified several vocational and technical fields currently in high demand in Ghana, including electrical work, welding, plumbing, refrigeration and air-conditioning services, auto mechanics, carpentry, masonry, solar energy installation, fashion design, and heavy equipment operation.

He noted that small businesses such as thrift clothing sales, phone accessories, home cleaning services, and local food vending could be started with relatively low capital.

Pastor Asare Yeboah also highlighted various interventions by PENTSOS and The Church of Pentecost aimed at empowering unemployed persons and vulnerable groups through skills training and entrepreneurship support.

According to him, PENTSOS has established vocational and community-based skills training centres across the country, including centres within prisons and correctional facilities, to equip individuals with practical employable skills.

He further explained that the organisation collaborates with local artisans and vocational masters to provide community-based apprenticeship opportunities in trades such as fashion design, carpentry, and plumbing.

Despite the stigma often associated with ex-offenders, Pastor Asare Yeboah urged participants not to allow their past to determine their economic future.

“Entrepreneurship is more than making a living; it is reclaiming your dignity, rebuilding your life, and bringing lasting value to your community,” he stressed.

He concluded by encouraging participants to remain focused, disciplined, and determined in their pursuit of transformation and economic stability.

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Abesewa 2026 Medical Outreach Launched web

Abesewa 2026 Medical Mission Outreach Launched

A major medical missions initiative aimed at bringing healing, hope, and free healthcare to underserved communities was officially launched on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Abesewa in the Ahafo Ano South East District of the Ashanti Region.

Dubbed the Abesewa 2026 Medical Missions Outreach, the initiative is expected to bring together more than 120 volunteer doctors and health professionals from the United States of America who will provide free surgeries, medical screenings, eye care services, mentorship, and evangelism to thousands of residents across the Ashanti, Ahafo, and Bono regions.

The outreach is a collaborative effort between The Church of Pentecost, Pentecost Students and Associates International, Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), Pentecost Health Services, IMAGHE World Foundation in USA, Main Line Health in USA, Lankenau Medical Center, Pentecost University, and the Bechem Government Hospital, among other partners.

Apostle Abraham Swanzy, the Sunyani Area Head and Executive Council member of the Church, launching the programme on behalf of the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, noted that the initiative will provide much-needed healthcare support to more than 100 communities across three regions.

Speaking at the launch, the Director of the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost and Patron of PENSA International, Apostle Dr Ebenezer Hegan, said the initiative forms part of the Church’s ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda, which seeks to transform lives through spiritual, social, and community development interventions. The Duayaw Nkwanta Area Head, Prophet Fred Antwi, encouraged residents to take advantage of the outreach and called on stakeholders to support the initiative to ensure its success.

The PENSA International Coordinator, Pastor Kofi Owusu-Boakye, explained that the medical mission outreach will be offered completely free of charge through the benevolence of volunteer doctors and the generous support of partner organisations.

He added that the initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Church and its partners to extend compassionate healthcare to communities that often struggle to access specialised medical services.

Also addressing the gathering, the Country Director of IMAGHE World Ghana, Mr Michael Asiamah Otchere, highlighted the role his organisation will play in supporting the outreach, stressing the importance of partnerships in delivering impactful humanitarian interventions.

The two-week medical mission is scheduled to begin on October 4, 2026. Prior to the outreach, a screening exercise will be conducted in June at the Pentecost Health Centre Abesewa to identify patients who will require surgical procedures.

Medical teams are expected to perform surgeries, including hernia repairs, excision biopsies, thyroidectomies, and other general surgical procedures that do not require extensive post-operative care, while more specialised and overflow surgical cases will be referred to the Bechem Government Hospital for further treatment.

Organisers say beyond healthcare delivery, the outreach also aims to bring holistic transformation to community through mentorship, community engagement, and evangelism.

Pent News

Over 1,300 Benefit From PENTSOS Skills, Agricultural Programmes WEB.jpg

Over 1,300 Benefit From PENTSOS Skills, Agricultural Programmes

The Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) made significant strides in 2025, reaching more than 1,300 beneficiaries through its Alternative Livelihood and Skills Development initiatives, alongside the Agricultural Development Programme (ADeP).

This was disclosed by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, during the presentation of the 2025 State of the Church Address at the opening session of the 48th General Council Meetings, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Under its livelihood interventions, PENTSOS continued to create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for members within cocoa-growing communities and vulnerable urban centres. A key highlight was the Small Ruminant Rearing Project, which supported farmers with the rearing of rabbits, goats and other livestock to boost household income and economic resilience.

To further strengthen skills development, the church constructed four new vocational training centres in the Bolgatanga and Essam-Debiso Areas, increasing the total number of centres to seven nationwide. Together with the Baatsona Pentecost Vocational Centre, these facilities provided apprenticeship training in weaving, catering, cosmetology and fashion design to 375 young people.

In addition, the Graduate Apprentice Expansion Module equipped 134 master craftsmen and women with professional tools to expand their enterprises. This intervention has produced a multiplier effect, as beneficiaries are now offering free training opportunities to 246 new apprentices. The Community-Based Apprenticeship Module also enrolled 274 individuals into various vocational training programmes across several Areas of the church.

Meanwhile, under the Agricultural Development Programme (ADeP), PENTSOS recorded notable progress in advancing food security and promoting resilient livelihoods. The Juapong Agricultural Intervention, which aims to utilise 100 acres of land for youth empowerment, supported 14 beneficiaries to cultivate 18 acres of cassava, with assistance including ploughing services, seedlings and fertilisers.

Efforts to promote climate resilience and year-round farming led to the introduction of irrigation systems in the Afram Plains and Effiduase Areas. The initiative covered approximately 100 acres of farmland and benefited 69 farmers through the distribution of water-pumping machines and related accessories.

PENTSOS also enhanced agricultural value addition through the establishment of processing centres. The Siniensi Shea Butter Processing Centre in the Builsa North Municipality of the Upper East Region, commissioned in March 2025, has already supported 45 local processors and generated income. Meanwhile, a semi-mechanised palm oil processing facility at Tweapease is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Additionally, in the Sawla Area, PENTSOS collaborated with local leadership to support 103 farmers to cultivate 300 acres of cashew. Since 2024, this initiative has expanded to benefit 122 farmers across 371 acres.

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The Church Of Pentecost Delivers Healthcare With GH₵19.8 Million web.jpg

The Church Of Pentecost Delivers Healthcare With GH₵19.8 Million

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, has announced that the church, through its Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), has invested GH₵19,799,329.53 in healthcare interventions.

The move in the year 2025 underscores its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare across Ghana.

The church currently operates 13 healthcare facilities, made up of five hospitals and eight clinics, which collectively recorded 246,583 Outpatient Department (OPD) attendances in 2025 – representing a 12.4% increase compared to the previous year.

During the year under review, the church expanded its healthcare infrastructure with the commissioning of a 35-bed ultramodern hospital at Kumbagre in the Bolgatanga municipality and a Pentecost Clinic at Teshie-Praso, further enhancing access to medical services in underserved communities.

Apostle Dr Nyamekye further mentioned that in addition to these completed projects, four new healthcare facilities are currently under construction across the country. These include specialist hospital in Accra and community health centres, aimed at broadening the scope and quality of healthcare delivery.

The church’s Health Unit is supported by a workforce of 1,310 staff, with 1,019 personnel on the Government of Ghana payroll and 291 funded through internally generated resources.

To further strengthen healthcare delivery, the church received a donation of 350 hospital beds from The Church of Pentecost, Belgium, boosting capacity across its facilities.

These strategic investments and ongoing projects highlight the church’s commitment to healthcare provision, contributing significantly to national development and community well-being.

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The Church Of Pentecost Commissions Mineral Water Plant For Gonasua Community web.jpg

The Church Of Pentecost Commissions Mineral Water Plant For Gonasua Community

The Gonasua District of the Berekum Area of The Church of Pentecost has commissioned a mineral water processing plant to provide clean drinking water for residents of the Gonasua community and its surrounding areas.

The project, initiated by the District Minister, Pastor Foster Kokou Payo, and his wife, is expected to improve access to potable water while also supporting the activities of the church within the district.

The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Area Head, Apostle Robert Andoh, who delivered a sermon drawn from Philippians 4:6–9 and 1 Peter 5:6–7. He encouraged congregants to continually present their needs to God, assuring them of His care and ability to meet every need.

The event was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive for Jaman South, Honourable Satia Ouattara, as well as traditional leaders from Gonasua and neighbouring communities. Also present were Pastors Cosmos Tuah, Alex Otieku, Stephen Barnes, Eric Amoah Takyi, the Gonasua Assemblyman, and the Unit Committee Chairman.

Members of the Gonasua community expressed gratitude to God and to The Church of Pentecost for the initiative, describing the project as timely and beneficial to the area.

Report by Berekum Area Media

WhatsApp Image 2026-04-14 at 19.35.38

Bawku Area Commissions Borehole For Nintabugsuk Community

The Bawku Area of The Church of Pentecost, on April 3, 2026, commissioned and handed over a mechanized borehole to the Nintabugsuk community in the Tempane District of the Upper East Region.

The intervention forms part of the Church’s Vision 2028 agenda, which prioritises social transformation and community development.

The dedication ceremony was attended by the Area Head, Pastor Michael Akwasi Asante, and his wife, Mrs. Selina Asante; the District Chief Executive for Tempane, Hon. Joseph Mbilla Ayaaba; ministers and their spouses within the Garu Zone, led by Pastor Elijah Aduako Adufo; as well as community leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Pastor Michael Akwasi Asante expressed appreciation to the DCE for his support and emphasised the importance of water as a basic human necessity. He noted that the Church’s intervention was aimed at improving access to potable water for the community.

Drawing from John 6:5, he highlighted Jesus Christ’s concern for the holistic well-being of people, stressing that the Church remains committed to meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of society. He also urged the community to maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability.

Providing a background to the project, the Tempane District Minister, Overseer Simon Eli Kofi Lavoe, disclosed that the borehole was fully sponsored by Mr. Kwame Brefo Gyawu of Asokwa PIWC, following consultations with the community leadership. Construction began in February 2025 and was completed in March 2026.

In his remarks, Hon. Ayaaba commended the Church for its continuous contribution to national development, describing the project as timely and impactful. He noted that the initiative complements government efforts in providing potable water in the district and urged the community to take good care of the facility.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a plaque by Mrs. Selina Asante, after which the borehole was dedicated to God and officially handed over to the community.

Pentecost Preparatory Honours Late Mrs Agatha Amoah with Academic Block web.jpg

Pentecost Preparatory Honours Late Mrs Agatha Amoah with Academic Block

An academic block at the Pentecost Preparatory School in Madina has been named in honour of the late Mrs Agatha Amoah, a pioneer of the institution and wife of former General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Albert Amoah (Retired).

The dedication took place during a short but significant ceremony held at the school premises on Wednesday January 28,2025.

Pentecost Preparatory School was founded in 1985 as Arm of the Lord by then Mr Albert Amoah and his wife, the late Mrs Agatha Amoah. The establishment of the school was inspired by a vision God placed in the heart of Mrs Amoah, which later grew into a fully functioning educational institution.

In 1994, the school was donated to The Church of Pentecost after two unsuccessful attempts by the couple to hand it over to new management. This decision was necessitated by their increasing responsibilities in full-time ministry, as Apostle Amoah became actively engaged in pastoral duties.

Speaking at the naming ceremony, Apostle Albert Amoah (Retired) described the school as “a seed of thought planted in the mind of my late wife many years ago,” noting that what began as a simple vision has today become a lasting legacy impacting generations of children.

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, who also addressed the gathering, urged Christians and leaders to live purpose-driven lives that leave enduring legacies for future generations. He emphasised that great achievements often begin as small ideas.

“Everything starts like a seed,” he said, “but when it is well looked after and watered, it grows into something positive.”

Apostle Obuobi further encouraged resilience in the face of opposition and challenges, drawing lessons from the perseverance of Apostle Amoah and his late wife, who faced significant resistance during the early years of the school’s operations.

Touching on the importance of memorials, he referenced Joshua 4:1–6, explaining that God instructed the Israelites to set up a memorial of stones as a reminder of His intervention when the River Jordan parted. According to him, such memorials serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and human obedience.

In a related announcement, Apostle Albert Amoah (Retired) unveiled the establishment of the Agatha Amoah Excellence Award, which will be presented to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, with a special focus on excellence in English Literature.

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TARKWA AREA DONATES TO PENTECOST HOSPITAL, PPS web

Tarkwa Area Donates To Pentecost Hospital, PPS

The Tarkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated a total of GHS 146,014.22 to support the Pentecost Hospital and the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), both located in Tarkwa.

Out of the amount, GHS 96,014.22 was presented to the Pentecost Hospital, Tarkwa for the purchase of two anaesthesia machine vaporizers and a microscope for the laboratory unit.

The donation is expected to enhance theatre operations and improve laboratory services for patients.

Additionally, the PPS-Tarkwa received GHS 50,000.00 to support ongoing construction works on the school building, including the completion of the headmaster’s office.

The presentation was made on behalf of the Tarkwa Area Head, Apostle Dr. David Nyansah Hayfron, by the Area PENTSOS Coordinating Committee.

Report by Pastor Ebenezer Tawiah-Mensah, Area PENTSOS Coordinator

DAMONGO CAMP PRISON TO UNLOCK OVER 300 JOBS, BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY web

Damongo Camp Prison To Unlock Over 300 Jobs, Boost Local Economy

The newly constructed 360-capacity Damongo Camp Prison, built by The Church of Pentecost for the Ghana Prisons Service, is set to deliver a major economic boost to the Savannah Regional capital through job creation and local enterprise.

The facility, which will be commissioned and officially handed over on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, represents one of the Church’s most significant social interventions yet — designed not only to reform inmates but also to strengthen the local economy.

During construction, the project provided temporary jobs for 150 local workers, including 50 skilled and 100 unskilled labourers, engaging artisans, suppliers, and food vendors in the process.

Upon full operation, the Damongo Camp Prison will create about 300 permanent jobs for prison officers and administrative staff — making it one of the largest employment hubs in the area.

Beyond job creation, the Damongo Camp Prison is being positioned as a training and production hub. Plans are underway to establish cassava and rice processing plants, alongside vocational and agricultural training facilities.

These will provide inmates with hands-on, certified skills in agribusiness, tailoring, carpentry, and food processing — helping them reintegrate successfully into society.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), correctional vocational programmes can reduce reoffending by up to 40% and improve post-release employment rates by over 25%.

The initiative, therefore, not only supports rehabilitation but also contributes to national productivity and workforce development.

The Ghana Statistical Service (2024) notes that rural unemployment in the northern regions remains among the highest in the country.

By anchoring hundreds of jobs and stimulating local trade, the Damongo Camp Prison aligns with the National Employment Policy (2021–2027) and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth.

As the Damongo Camp Prison opens its gates, it stands not as a symbol of punishment, but as a blueprint for transformation — proof that faith-based development can build both lives and livelihoods.

PENT NEWS.

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST REDUCES PRISON OVERCROWDING IN GHANA web

The Church Of Pentecost Reduces Prison Overcrowding In Ghana

The Church of Pentecost’s prison interventions have contributed significantly to rehabilitation outcomes and reduced congestion within Ghana’s correctional system.

According to the Ghana Prisons Service, prison overcrowding rates have reduced from over 50% in 2018 to 38% in 2025, a development Apostle Nyamekye said the Church has helped facilitate through infrastructure support and payment of fines for prisoners on default warrants.

The Damongo facility adds to two existing modern Camp Prisons funded and built by the Church. A fourth facility, located in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, is currently under construction.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly-constructed Damongo Camp Prison on Wednesday, Apostle Nyamekye revealed that 251 inmates have already been trained in employable skills at similar Church-constructed facilities at Nsawam and Ejura.

He said 26 inmates have successfully completed National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI)-certified programmes, with start-up support provided to many of them upon release to enable them to work and reintegrate.

“We do not simply seek to secure release for prisoners; we seek to equip them. We are committed to touching their hearts, hands, and minds to prepare them for meaningful reintegration into society,” he said.

Apostle Nyamekye also announced that Pentecost University will from next year commence certificate and diploma programmes tailored for inmates, ex-convicts and prison officers, further deepening reformation and reintegration efforts.

The Chairman reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting the State in building a more humane and effective correctional system, saying rehabilitation and reformation remain critical to national development.

PENT NEWS.