Posts in category: PENTSOS

The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, organised a grand durbar to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day.

The event, held at the premises of the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), Madina, brought together pupils from various Pentecost Schools, including PPS-Madina, PPS-Ashaiman, PPS-Bubiashie, and PPS-Tema. Some ministers of the Church, representatives from PENTSOS and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, as well as dedicated staff and teachers from the Pentecost Schools, also graced the occasion.

The durbar commenced with a warm welcome address from Elder Richard Amaning, the Director of PENTSOS. Elder Amaning expressed gratitude to the Executive Council of the Church of Pentecost for making the event possible.

He highlighted the significance of World Environment Day, a global celebration led by the United Nations, with this year’s theme being “Beat Plastic Pollution,” which aimed to reduce plastic pollution worldwide and encourage plastic reuse and recycling.

Elder Amaning emphasised the crucial role of children, especially students, as both consumers and potential agents of change in the fight against plastic pollution in Ghana.

Following the welcome address, the National Coordinator for the Environmental Care Campaign and the Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, delivering the keynote address, expressed joy at the Church’s involvement in celebrating World Environment Day for the first time, considering it a milestone in the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda.

He acknowledged the positive efforts of the Church towards environmental care and emphasised the need for all churches to join forces in transforming Ghana.

Apostle Gakpetor highlighted the Chairman’s directive to focus on plastic waste recycling and clean-up exercises in the 2023 Environmental Care Campaign, stressing the importance of responsible waste disposal and recycling.

He called upon various stakeholders, including governments, waste management companies, and traditional rulers, to actively engage in tackling the plastic waste menace.

Mr. Jephthah Tetteh, the Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, in his speech, provided insightful information on the global issue of plastic pollution, underscoring the alarming increase in plastic production and its adverse effects on the environment.

Mr. Tetteh highlighted the types of plastics and the opportunities and problems associated with their usage. He presented statistics on plastic waste generation in Africa and Ghana, stressing the need for concerted efforts to tackle the plastic waste challenge.

He outlined the various stakeholders involved in the plastic recycling value chain, from pickers to recyclers, and reiterated the importance of each role in addressing the issue.

Mr. Tetteh also called for collaboration among all institutions and stakeholders to achieve Ghana’s recycling targets and mitigate the plastic waste menace.

The World Environment Day durbar also served as a platform to launch the Plastic Waste Project in Pentecost Schools, aimed at educating students about the impact of plastic on the environment and promoting the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics.

The event also featured a variety of engaging activities, including poetry recitals, drama performances, dance routines, and an exhibition showcasing innovative products made from recycled plastic waste.

The celebration ended with an excursion to the Universal Plastic Products Recycling (UPPR) site, where the pupils were given firsthand knowledge about the recycling process of plastics.

PENTECOST NEWS.

In an effort to address the growing concern about plastic waste and promote environmental consciousness among young students, Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) has launched the Plastic Waste Recycling Project in all Pentecost schools.

The initiative was launched today by the PENTSOS Director, Elder Richard Amaning, during a grand durbar organised by The Church of Pentecost in partnership with PENTSOS and Zoomlion Ghana Limited at the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), Madina.

Recognising the importance of educating the younger generation about the impact of plastic on the environment, PENTSOS aims to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics. The relaunch of the Plastic Waste Project in Pentecost Schools was a significant step towards achieving this goal.

As part of the project, some students visited the Universal Plastic Products Recycling (UPPR) facility, where they witnessed firsthand the process of recycling plastics.

This practical experience aims to deepen their understanding and foster a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.

The launch of the Plastic Waste Project in Pentecost Schools coincided with the World Environment Day celebration, which served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the environment.

The Plastic Waste Project in Pentecost Schools is expected to be crucial in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens from a young age. By equipping students with the necessary knowledge and practical experiences, PENTSOS aims to create a generation that understands the importance of responsible waste management and actively participates in reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics.

As the Plastic Waste Project takes flight in Pentecost Schools, it is hoped that the collaboration between PENTSOS, educational institutions, and waste management companies will set a positive example for other schools and communities to follow.

The launch of this project marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a plastic waste-free society, as PENTSOS and its partners work hand in hand to instil a sense of environmental stewardship in the hearts and minds of young students.

The World Environment Day durbar, which took place at the premises of the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), Madina, also had in attendance Apostle Samuel Gakpetor (National Coordinator for Environmental Care Campaign and Agormanya Area Head) and Mr. Jephthah Tetteh (Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Zoomlion Ghana Limited).

Some ministers of the Church, representatives from PENTSOS and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, as well as dedicated staff and teachers from PPS-Madina, PPS-Ashaiman, PPS-Bubiashie, and PPS-Tema, also participated in the event.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The National Coordinator for the Environmental Care Campaign and the Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, has said that the challenge with the disposal and management of plastic wastes in Ghana is not insurmountable but requires a concerted effort.

Delivering the keynote address at the grand durbar organised by The Church of Pentecost in partnership with the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day, Apostle Gakpetor said: “We can change the narrative of the perennial flooding, dirty environment, choked gutters, degradation of land and ocean if we decide to devote concerted efforts.”

The Agormanya Area Head highlighted the economic repercussions of inadequate plastic waste management, including the high costs of clean-up operations, litter removal, repair and replacement of damaged fishing gear, reduced fishing catches, and a decline in coastal tourism.

He further drew attention to the environmental pollution caused by the open burning of plastics, releasing poisonous chemicals into the atmosphere and negatively affecting the health of humans and animals.

To overcome the plastic waste menace, Apostle Gakpetor stressed the importance of collaboration and collective effort by all stakeholders in dealing with the problem.

“We call on all governments and related ministries and agencies, churches, traditional rulers, waste management companies, as well as all other stakeholders to engage on how to deal with this menace. We should not just pay lip service to the World Environment Day but use the day to continue to raise awareness of the need to care for the Environment,” he said.

Apostle Gakpetor urged individuals to be responsible citizens and dispose of waste properly in bins with fitted covers.  

He also called for the need for education on waste disposal and the need for segregation of waste at home, school, etc., especially as segregated plastics are in high demand by recycling companies.

The Agormanya Area Head further noted that The Church of Pentecost had taken proactive steps to address the plastic waste challenge, including Plastic Waste Recycling Project, which has now been launched in the various Pentecost schools.

He said the project, among others, aims to equip students with knowledge about the impact of plastics on the environment and encourage them to contribute to plastic reuse, reduction, and recycling efforts.

The World Environment Day durbar marked the first time The Church of Pentecost celebrated this significant international day for the environment. The event, which took place at the premises of the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), Madina, also had in attendance Elder Richard Amaning (PENTSOS Director) and Mr. Jephthah Tetteh (Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Zoomlion Ghana Limited).

Some ministers of the Church, representatives from PENTSOS and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, as well as dedicated staff and teachers from PPS-Madina, PPS-Ashaiman, PPS-Bubiashie, and PPS-Tema, also participated in the event.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Director of Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), the social services wing of The Church of Pentecost, Elder Richard Amaning, has stressed the need to involve children in Ghana’s fight against plastic waste.

According to the PENTSOS Director, children are the best resources for environmental campaigns because they are both the plastics users and agents that can help fight plastic pollution in Ghana.

“The role of children, especially students, cannot be ignored in the plastic pollution campaign. They are instrumental and can be good agents of transformation,” he said.

Elder Amaning said during an address at the 2023 World Environmental Day held at the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPL), Madina Estate, Accra, on Monday, June 5, 2023.

The event, organised by The Church of Pentecost in collaboration with PENTSOS and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, was attended by students from the Pentecost Schools in Tema, Ashaiman, Bubiashie, and Madina.

The ceremony, which was chaired by Apostle Samuel Gakpetor (Agormanya Area Head and National Chairman of the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee – NDLC), was also attended by members of the Environmental Care Committee, Ministers of the Church, Representatives from Zoomlion and Universal Plastic Products Recycling (UPPR), among others.

In his welcome address, Elder Amaning expressed his gratitude to the Executive Council of The Church of Pentecost for its support in making the programme possible.

He noted that the Day held under the theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” focused on reducing plastic pollution globally and encouraging plastic reuse and recycling.

The World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 by the United Nations.

World Environment Day 2023 is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matter. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequence of this action.

The 2023 World Environment Day campaign #BeatPlasticPollution calls for global solutions to combat plastic pollution.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost has constructed three new Skills Development Centres in Northern Ghana to empower young persons economically.

The facilities are at Temaa in Walewale, Zebilla in Bawku, and Kaleo in Wa.

The Chairman revealed this in the 2022 State-of-the-Church Address (SOCA22), which he delivered on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the 46th General Council Meetings opening ceremony.

In his address, he said, “To enhance economic livelihoods in deprived communities, PENTSOS, with funding from the Church, implemented three critical interventions to improve household incomes and create jobs for the youth.

According to him, the Church, through PENTSOS, constructed a gari processing centre in the Nyambong community in the Nkwanta Area of the Church to improve the standard of living of women and their families in and around the community.

He added that the facility, which comprises a storeroom, office, grating, dewatering, and roasting areas, produces about 500 bags of gari weekly with buyers from Bawku, Bolgatanga, Techiman, Burkina Faso and Mankessim.

He further noted that the Church has constructed and operated a 10-acre solar-powered irrigation farm at Tanga in the Bawku Area. It currently employs 52 farmers to improve their income levels.

Apostle Nyamekye mentioned that, under Vision 2023, a major strategic priority for PENTSOS is to build sustainable livelihoods, climate change resilience, and efficient natural resources management.

“This vision enjoins PENTSOS to train and resource members of The Church of Pentecost on snail rearing, mushroom cultivation, soap making, and dry season vegetable gardening to earn income from the venture,” he indicated.

He revealed that PENTSOS also facilitated financial support provided through PENCO with micro-loans (or partnerships with government or private institutions) for members of the Church to start their businesses after training.

“The overarching purpose of the Church’s livelihood enhancement interventions is to create an enabling environment for job creation to enhance household income levels,” he ended.

PENTECOST NEWS

Eleven trainees have completed their three-year apprenticeship training at the Pentecost Skills Learning Centre, a vocational training centre constructed by The Church of Pentecost, through the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), at Temaa in the North-East Region of Ghana.

The trainees, who were trained in dressmaking, pastry making, beads making, and hairdressing, graduated at a special ceremony held on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

In his speech at the event, the Walewale Area Head, Apostle Norman Appiah-Danquah, who chaired the ceremony, said that the skills-training project began under his predecessor, Apostle Francis Yaw Adu, with approval from the Church’s leadership and supported by the PENTSOS Directorate.

Apostle Norman Appiah-Danquah expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the members of the Executive Council for giving the project their full support.

He also congratulated the graduands for completing their training and encouraged them to demonstrate the skills acquired with integrity and hard work.

The Area Head further noted that the Church is very relevant and essential since it is the shining light that repels the darkness of the world and the salt of the earth given the mandate to correct the ills of society.

According to him, for the church to make a maximum impact in society, there is a need to mobilize all skills, talent, and ideas from every community to provide solutions to meet the challenges of the current generation.

“This can be done as persons allow themselves and reflect the beauty of Christ in the work they do,” he said.

The Walewale Area Head ended his speech by quoting Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

In an exhortation titled “Repositioning Artisanship to Possess the Nations” with Ephesians 2:10 as scripture reference, the Kpangal District Minister, Overseer Aaron Annum, encouraged the graduands to depend on God, who is the master artisan, in order to excel in their respective fields. He also urged them to be truthful and work hard with all diligence in their trade as artisans.

In her remarks, Mrs. Sandra Asiedu, the Principal of the Centre and wife of the Temaa District Minister, assured the graduates that God is the first artisan. She encouraged them to reflect Christ in their work, ensure that they work hard, and put all the skills acquired into practice.

The Pentecost Skills Learning Centre was initiated by the Temaa District Minister, Pastor George Asiedu, and his wife, Sandra, to equip members, especially the youth, with employable skills in line with the community transformation agenda of the Church’s five-year strategic vision (Vision 2023: Possessing the Nations).

The centre currently has fifteen apprentices training in dressmaking, pastries, beads-making, hairdressing, and weaving, who are being trained by four instructors.

Report by Temaa District Media Team

The Dansoman Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated 50 units of school desks worth GHS 11,000.00 to the Dansoman ‘A’ Cluster of Schools.

The gesture, which was made through the Area’s Pentecost Social Services Committee, was in response to a request made by the Headmistress of the school to the Church through Deacon Domickson Asare, the Chairman of the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) of the school and a member of Pentecost International Worship Centre, Dansoman (PIWC-Dansoman).

At the presentation ceremony on Thursday, April 13, 2023, the Dansoman Area Head, Apostle Daniel Kodjoe Sey, expressed his warmest regards to the school authorities for granting the church access to be part of the school and its activities.

He noted that the Church’s five-year strategic vision, dubbed “Possessing the Nations,” enjoins the Church to extend an arm of benevolence to its community, hence the gesture. Apostle Sey indicated that the Church critically examined the need of the school and agreed to contribute to the welfare and well-being of the pupils.

He also advised the pupils to be studious and live exemplary lives in the school and in their communities.

Mrs. Charity Lariba Daboya, on behalf of the management, staff, and pupils of the school, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the church for their donation and pleaded with the church for more support.

Present at the event were Mrs. Rebecca Adwoa Sey, wife of the Area Head, Pastor Samuel Kweku Asante (Area Secretary), Elder Samuel Dankyi Ansong (Area Deacon), and Pastor Dickson Otchere Darko (PENTSOS Area Coordinator).

Others in attendance were Elder Samuel Sackey (Area PENTSOS Secretary), Elder Isaac Kofi Eduah (Area PENTSOS Executive Member), a cross-section of the area pastorate and wives, teachers, pupils, and the Dansoman Area Media Team headed by Pastor I. E. Quaicoe.

Report by Lawrence Nana Kwame Asiamah (Media Ministry).

The Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated a TATA bus to Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS) at Aflao in the Volta Region.

The Aflao Area Head, Apostle Michael Agyen Brefo, who presented the bus to the school at a brief ceremony held at the school’s premises on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, stated that the donation of the slightly used bus was in fulfilment of the church’s commitment to ensure that the school was adequately resourced to deliver improved learning outcomes in the Ketu South Municipality.

The bus which was initially received from the PENTSOS Directorate of the Church’s Head Office was refurbished by the Area at a cost of GH¢50,000.00 before being handed over to the school. It has come at a time when the school was in dire need of a means of transport for the students and staff.

The Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Yvonne Semakor, who could not hide her joy expressed her appreciation to the Area for the timely intervention. She assured the leadership that the bus will put to proper use for maximum impact and longevity.

Also present at a short ceremony were Mrs. Ophelia Agyen Brefo (Area Head’s wife), the Pastorate, Elder Emmanuel Awuakye (Area Deacon) and the Area PENTSOS Committee members.

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey, Aflao Area Reporter

The Wassa Ankasie Assembly in the Agona District of The Church of Pentecost, in partnership with Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), has donated farm equipment worth GHS 53,000.00 to some residents of the Ankasie community.

The donation, which includes crocodile cutlasses, weedicides, pairs of wellington boots, and a cash amount of GHS 100.00 each, were presented to the beneficiaries at a short presentation ceremony held on Monday, March 20, 2023.

According to Pastor John Kweku Nartey, the Wassa Ankasie District Minister and the pastor-in-charge of the project, the gesture would help the 166 beneficiaries clear and prepare their farmlands for the planting season in May this year.

He further stated that, as part of the project, cocoa seedlings, coconut seedlings, orange and oil palm would be given to the beneficiaries, who are the selected caregivers of children in the community enrolled on the CIGH project.

“Our focus is to provide them with self-sustaining financial support. This is part of the interventions that Compassion International gives to the parents of the children on the project annually to support them and alleviate poverty,” he said.

Other CIGH officials present at the presentation ceremony were Mr. Justice Tsormana (Project Director), Elder Divine Todzo (Account Clerk) and Deaconess Priscilla Arthur (Social Health Worker).

The partnership between the Ankasie Assemby and CIGH began in 2017 when the latter undertook a feasibility study on the veracity of planting a Child and Youth Development Centre in the community.

The collaboration, however, came into force in 2018 after the community met all the criteria for the project, with the Church serving as the Implementing Church Partner (ICP) for the project.

Currently, 210 children of the Wassa Ankasie Assembly are enrolled onto the CIGH initiative.

PENTECOST NEWS.