Posts in category: Top Stories

The Medical Director of Pentecost Hospital, Madina, Apostle Dr Edward Arko Koranteng, emphasised the importance of Christians taking their physical wellbeing seriously, noting that good health is essential for effective ministry.

According to him, “the human body is dust, and at some point, it will weaken – but the spirit does not; it only grows from glory to glory.”

He, therefore, encouraged ministers to maintain a strong spiritual life, noting that “if you are able to keep a robust spiritual body, your physical body will also thrive.”

Addressing the physical realities of ageing drawing from Genesis 27:1 at a seminar organised for ministers and wives due for retirement by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre on Thursday, Apostle Dr Koranteng highlighted several areas of concern, including weakened heart and veins, stiff joints leading to arthritis, and reduced ability to manage sugar and carbohydrates, which can result in diabetes.

He also mentioned conditions such as osteoporosis due to calcium loss, respiratory challenges like asthma, and cognitive disorders that slow brain function.

“Irrespective of your anointing, if you don’t take care of these things, they will worry you in old age,” he cautioned, stressing that these issues affect the majority of people as they age.

He further drew attention to digestive complications, including ulcers, constipation, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), as well as the growing prevalence of cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Apostle Dr Koranteng also warned about infections caused by weakened immunity and balance issues that increase the risk of slips and falls.

“We must be careful how we design our bathrooms as we age,” he advised, emphasising preventive living and environmental safety.

Encouraging discipline and faith, he urged participants to take prescribed medications faithfully and to live balanced lives marked by rest and self-care.

“Sleep is important,” he said. “At a certain point, we must shift from staying up late, even for spiritual exercises, and retrain ourselves to sleep at least seven to nine hours.”

In conclusion, Apostle Dr Koranteng advised ministers to gracefully manage the transition into retirement by adjusting their expectations, saying, “As you approach retirement, learn to decouple from the privileges of active ministry. Handle every change graciously, and rest in the knowledge that God remains faithful.”

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A senior official at Ecobank EDC, Mr Bosman Ampadu, has emphasised the importance of sound financial preparation for retirement, stating that life is a journey with responsibilities at every stage.

Quoting Proverbs 20:29, he illustrated the phases of life: “At age 25, you are earning; at 35, you are earning to provide for your retirement; and at 60, you stop living at work and start working at living.”

Speaking at the 2025 Seminar for Ministers and Wives who will retire by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Mr Ampadu urged ministers to reflect deeply on the question: “How can I live my retirement?”

Drawing on statistics, he revealed that 99% of pensioners receive below GHS 5,000, stressing that without deliberate planning, retirement could become financially burdensome due to mounting bills and medical costs.

Mr Ampadu encouraged the participants to take charge of their pension planning early, saying, “Your SSNIT pension alone cannot sustain you.”

He advised participants to build income-generating assets, avoid hasty spending of lump sums, and invest prudently in money market and fixed-income instruments.

“Pension money is licked, not swallowed,” he cautioned, emphasising the importance of consistent savings, wise spending, and diversified investments.

He concluded presentation with practical wisdom for an enjoyable retirement: “Live within your means, maintain a modest home, drive a manageable car, and avoid capital-intensive ventures.

He indicated that a fruitful retirement requires discipline, foresight, and faith, saying, “Plan early, invest wisely, and let your retirement years be peaceful and fulfilling.”

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The Obuasi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, has urged ministers and their to plan wisely for the future and avoid the dangers of financial mismanagement in their post-ministry years.

Speaking on the theme, “Keep Out of Debt in Your Retirement,” based on the story of the widow of the prophet in 2 Kings 4:1–7, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, during an exhortation at the 2025 seminar for ministers and their wives who will retire by 2035, Prophet Beditor underscored the dangers of leaving behind debts.

“No matter what happens, do not leave debts when you retire,” he warned. He urged ministers to live within their means, plan wisely, and avoid over-reliance on family support, emphasising that “a debt-free life brings dignity and peace in old age.”

Turning to ministers’ wives, he encouraged them to be industrious and resourceful, warning that those who continually borrow risk losing the goodwill of others.

Prophet Beditor further advised against embarking on huge projects close to retirement, noting that incomplete ventures often lead to avoidable debts and distress. He also cautioned against paying school fees during retirement, stressing that such financial responsibilities can become burdensome when one’s regular income ceases.

Reflecting on the widow’s response to her financial crisis, he reminded participants that God often uses what people already possess to bring about miracles.

“The widow went to God for help, and God used what she had. Sometimes, God does not perform miracles from nowhere – He blesses what is already in your hands,” he said.

He, therefore, encouraged ministers to build healthy relationships with church members and others while in active service, as goodwill cultivated during ministry could become a source of support in later years.

Prophet Beditor also highlighted the widow’s obedience, faith, and industrious spirit, which led to her miraculous provision. He urged ministers to cultivate similar virtues – faith in prayer, discipline, and hard work – even behind closed doors, saying, “Pray in secret, and God will reward you openly. Use your little oil profitably; your gifts and skills can become a source of blessing in retirement.”

Concluding his message, Prophet David Kankam Beditor admonished ministers to be faithful in their stewardship and depend on God’s wisdom for sustenance.

“Ask God for wisdom to flourish in retirement,” he declared. “Just as the widow’s oil never ran out, may your resources multiply, and may your retirement years be marked by peace, abundance, and divine favour.”

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A retired minister of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle E. K. Barabu (Retd.), has encouraged ministers of the Church who are due to retire within the next ten years to regard retirement not as an ending, but as a transition into a new chapter of ministry.

Speaking on the theme, “Redefining Ministry in Retirement,” Apostle Barabu (Retd.) cautioned against the common misconception that retirement signifies the cessation of all ministerial work. He emphasised that true ministry never ends but rather evolves. Quoting Acts 20:24 and 2 Timothy 4:7, he reminded the gathering that “Apostle Paul spoke of finishing the race, not stopping the ministry.”

“How can I continue serving when I no longer have a district or an area?” he asked rhetorically, while encouraging ministers to remain spiritually active.

“Do not be passive; be renewed for new purpose. Your ordination, gifting, and call do not expire just because you leave full-time service. Once a minister, always a minister,” he affirmed, referencing Romans 11:29.

He urged participants to take stock of their gifts, passions, and strengths as they prepare for this new phase, emphasising that ministry is broader than any office one holds. He called on ministers to seek divine direction through prayer, especially when making major post-retirement decisions.

“Be willing to let go of past visions that are no longer appropriate and embrace new opportunities God will open to you,” he added.

Outlining possible avenues for continued service, Apostle Barabu (Retd.) suggested mentoring, coaching, discipling, teaching, writing, and intercession as meaningful ways to remain impactful. He encouraged ministers to read the Bible deeply for personal edification and to share God’s word with others.

Acknowledging the challenges that may come with the transition, he reminded retirees that “God will guide you even in your old age,” citing Isaiah 46:4. He further encouraged them to maintain their spiritual vitality, quoting Philippians 1:6 – “God still has a course for you to run, even in retirement.”

Apostle Barabu (Retd.) urged ministers to set healthy boundaries, guard their rest and peace, and trust God for provision in their later years, saying, “Continue your service, though its form has changed, for God’s calling is irrevocable. The task is not over until you hear so.”

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A private legal practitioner, Kwaku Agyei GyamfiEsq. has called on ministers of the Gospel to safeguard their families and estates by doing a while alive.

Giving a thought-provoking presentation on the topic, “Willing Process and Procedure and Intestate Succession Law” at a seminar organised for ministers of The Church of Pentecost who are expected to retire by 2035 at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Lawyer Agyei Gyamfi, who is a legal counsel of The Church of Pentecost, asked: “Will you leave your assets to someone or leave them to chance?”

Drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 2:18–19, Galatians 3:16, and 1 Timothy 5:8, he stated: “Do you want certainty or uncertainty after your death? After you are called to glory, will the events that follow be glorious?”

Explaining the Intestacy Law, Elder Agyei Gyamfi noted that the world recognises a will as “a respectable document because it expresses the final intentions of a person, and the law respects it.” He cautioned that failure to make a will leaves one’s estate at the mercy of the law, which “decides who gets what, when, and how.” He further explained that without a will, letters of administration determine the order of inheritance, which may prove difficult for a surviving spouse to pursue due to complex legal procedures.

“When a customary successor steps into your estate, there is trouble,” he warned. “Make a will and decide who looks after your affairs.”

Citing the Intestate Succession Law, 1985 (PNDCL 111), he highlighted that under this law, a spouse and children automatically receive part of the deceased’s estate, with the remainder distributed as residue according to legal percentages.

“Until PNDC Law 111 came, customarily, a man could not inherit his wife, but under the law, a man can inherit a woman’s property. It is not good to die intestate – please make a will,” he advised.

Elder Agyei Gyamfi emphasised that a will only takes effect after death – humorously putting it, “The will only becomes perpendicular when you become horizontal.” He encouraged participants to revise their wills periodically, noting that the process often reveals “the true character of beneficiaries.”

He also explained the role of executors and trustees in managing and distributing estates. “An executor is someone you personally appoint to handle your property and distribute it as stated in your will. Be careful who you choose as executor,” he cautioned. A trustee, he added, “is a person or institution legally appointed to hold and manage assets on behalf of beneficiaries according to the terms of a will or trust.”

Concluding his presentation, Elder Agyei GyamfiEsq.reminded participants that even with a will, “the Constitution guarantees that a spouse shall not be deprived of a portion of the estate.”

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With heartfelt conviction and biblical grounding, Apostle Dr. Paul Danso, Head of Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (HQ), has urged ministers and their spouses to intentionally strengthen their marriage and family bonds as they prepare for retirement.

Speaking on the topic “Strengthening Marriage and Family Bond During Retirement” at the ongoing Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Danso drew his message from Genesis 2:18–25, reminding participants that “family life is part of God’s ultimate plan; since it comes from God, it must be seen as sacred and treated as such.”

He noted that the aim of marriage is companionship and procreation, adding that retirement offers the perfect opportunity to nurture both nuclear and extended family relationships. “Retirement gives you time – use that time to cultivate family life and enrich your emotional life with your family,” he encouraged.

Outlining practical ways to foster marriage and family bonds, Apostle Danso stressed the importance of open communication to avoid ambiguity and assumptions. “We must learn to enjoy our differences as couples,” he said, noting that a happy home is a deliberate creation.

He advised couples to share the same room to build intimacy, set shared goals, express appreciation regularly, and manage conflicts amicably without involving third parties unless necessary. He further urged couples to be intentional about intimacy, nurture friendship, and practice active listening to truly understand one another.

“Look your spouse in the face to understand their intentions. Avoid keeping scores and prioritise quality time with your family,” he advised.

Apostle Danso also encouraged couples to share family stories and traditions, especially with children and grandchildren, and to engage in activities that bridge generational gaps. He urged the use of technology to maintain close ties with family members abroad and to address conflicts constructively.

Highlighting the importance of strengthening marriage and family bonds, he said doing so brings emotional stability, reduces loneliness, and promotes better mental health. “People with strong social connections tend to live longer and enjoy better physical health,” he remarked.

He added that united families are better positioned to share responsibilities, caregiving duties, and financial burdens.

In closing, Apostle Dr. Danso reminded ministers that a strong family foundation in retirement is both a spiritual responsibility and a source of lasting joy, saying, “When love, understanding, and unity flourish at home, retirement becomes not a withdrawal, but a new season of peace and fulfilment.”PENT NEWS

With deep insight and pastoral warmth, Apostle Korsah, Area Head for Nkawkaw, challenged ministers to see retirement not as an end but as a new beginning of purpose and peace, as he addressed participants at the ongoing Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035. The seminar, being held from 14th to 16th October 2025 at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, continued on 15th October with his thought-provoking presentation on the theme “Mental Health Preparation for Retirement.”

Apostle Korsah emphasised the crucial role of psychological wellbeing in ensuring a smooth and fulfilling transition into retirement. He explained that the goal of every retiree should be to maintain both emotional and life satisfaction after active service. Citing Ecclesiastes 3:1, he noted that “retirement has its purpose and importance,” reminding ministers that good mental health is vital in all phases of life.

Apostle Korsah defined mental health as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, stressing that “we cannot maintain balanced mental wellbeing without the God factor because, the Word of God is a great therapy for mental health.” He observed that retirement often brings about psychological changes such as loss of memory, routine, and identity, particularly among individuals whose sense of worth is tied to their office or ministry role. “At retirement, you may feel deserted in your own space because, as they say, out of sight is out of mind,” he stated.

He also noted that feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety about relevance are common during retirement. “In active ministry, you are surrounded by people, but at retirement, you may find yourself all alone. Reduce your dependence on position now so that you can adjust better later,” he advised.

Apostle Korsah identified several factors affecting mental health in retirement, including financial preparedness, physical health, and social connection. He cautioned that while strength naturally diminishes with age, maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends can help one cope emotionally. “Develop a sense of purpose through faith; exercise your spirit through reading and prayer,” he encouraged, adding that retirees should utilise their wealth of experience to mentor others.

To prepare mentally for retirement, Apostle Korsah recommended cultivating a positive outlook on life, practising gratitude and optimism, setting personal goals, volunteering, building social ties, and maintaining a daily routine. “See retirement as a transition from one stage to another, not an end,” he urged. He further encouraged retirees to live within their means, engage in mental activities such as reading and writing, and seek professional counselling when needed.

In conclusion, Apostle Korsah reminded ministers that retirement is not withdrawal but a redirection of purpose. “It’s a transition, not a termination,” he reiterated, urging all to embrace the next phase of life with faith, gratitude, and a renewed sense of mission.

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The second day of the Seminar for Ministers and Their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035, currently taking place at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, from 13th to 16th October 2025, began with a spirited devotion led by Apostle M. S. Appiah, Madina Area Head.

Drawing his message from Proverbs 4:23–27, Galatians 1:4, and the theme “Be Focused to Reach Your Goal,”Apostle Appiah admonished participants to view their divine call as a sacred privilege rather than a position earned through education or human effort. “See your call as a great privilege, not a position attained by educational qualification, but purely divine,” he said. Referring to the example of Jesus, he reminded the gathering that “we did not choose ourselves, but God called us,” stressing that “grace will carry us through.”

He cautioned ministers to avoid distractions and remain resolute in their commitment to the call of God. “God chose you because of your availability, not your qualifications,” he noted. “The success is up to Him; the obedience is up to us. When He called us, He already had in mind that we would succeed, provided we are faithful and available.” Apostle Appiah encouraged the ministers not to be swayed by temporary challenges, declaring, “Don’t look at circumstantial evidence to the contrary, just press on. God will surprise you.”

Using the perseverance of Christ as an example, Apostle Appiah urged ministers to endure opposition and hardship. “Heaven was looking upon Jesus to see if He would come out victorious, and yes, He did. He looked at the glory before Him and endured the cross,” he said. “Something great lies ahead of us. We must focus our eyes on Jesus. Like Him, we must be poised to say one day, ‘It is finished.’” Recalling personal experiences during a transfer to Onitsha, Nigeria, as Area Head in 1997, he testified, “The opposition was great, but the Spirit of God whispered into my ears, ‘I have called you, not man.’ Don’t look at people; don’t listen to people. It is God’s plan. God never fails nor disappoints.”

Apostle Appiah further encouraged the ministers to concentrate on past victories and future goals rather than current challenges. “Spend your energy on moving forward. It is well with your soul,” he assured. Citing Philippians 2:8–10, he reminded them that “Jesus was humiliated on the cross, therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name, that at the mention of Jesus, every knee should bow to the glory of God.”

Concluding his exhortation, Apostle Appiah advised ministers to avoid the pitfalls that could lead to demotion, dismissal, or excommunication. “King Solomon admonished us to guard our hearts, keep corrupt thoughts far from our lips, let our eyes look straight ahead, and make level paths for our feet so we may land safely,” he said. “The raven that fed Elijah is still alive and will visit you at the right time; only believe.” He encouraged all present to remain faithful to their calling, adding, “Remember what God told you when He called you – through prophecies and personal reflections – because He is faithful and true. Remain focused.”

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The Seminar for Ministers and their Wives Who Will Retire by 2035 which is being held from 14th to 16^th October 2025 at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, continued today, 15^th October 2025 with an insightful presentation by Pastor Prof. Joseph Osafo, Professor of Clinical Psychology at University of Ghana – Legon, and Resident Pastor of East Legon Worship Centre.

Speaking on the topic “Coping with Ageing Gracefully: Embracing the Changes of Body and Mind,” Prof. Osafo began by challenging common clichés such as “Age is just a number,” and “You are only as old as you feel.” He noted, “These sayings are partly true, but not entirely accurate. The reality is that ageing is a natural process. Frailty and mortality are inevitable, and physical exercise alone cannot overcome all the challenges of ageing. Some resilience is needed.”

Citing research, he explained that the ageing process begins around the age of 25. “As we age, we move from being independent to becoming dependent on others for self-help skills, facing crises such as sickness, and eventually death,” he said. He identified visible signs of ageing – wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dryness – as some natural results of cellular deterioration caused by stress, inflammation, and metabolic changes.

Prof. Osafo also highlighted the global trend of an ageing population, noting that by 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 and above will double those below 25. “The adult population in Ghana will triple within the next 21 years,” he added. This, he said, would increase the burden on caregivers, reduce the dependency ratio, and heighten the risk of elder abuse and neglect.

Addressing the key elements of progressive ageing, he distinguished between ‘normalageing’ – not influenced by sickness – and ‘pathological ageing’, which is accelerated by conditions such as hypertension and cancer. “As we age, stamina reduces, daily activities become difficult, and physical balance weakens. Be cautious especially with staircases,” he advised. He further noted that sensory and cognitive declines, including vision loss, hearing impairment, and memory deterioration, are common in later years.

He encouraged ministers to remain mentally active to slow down psychological decline. “Ageing is a transition, so especially for pastors, constant mental engagement is vital. That’s why teachers and lecturers rarely suffer severe brain diseases; they keep exercising their minds,” he explained. “Engage in mind-stimulating games like oware and dame to keep your brains active.”

Discussing the phases of retirement, Prof. Osafo outlined the pre-retirement phase, honeymoon phase, detachment phase, reorientation phase, stability phase, and termination phase (death). He cautioned, “Manage yourself well so you don’t break down. Retirement affects identity and decision power. People naturally shift to where power is, so add new skills to keep your brain alive.”

He also addressed the psychological and emotional effects of retirement, emphasizing that feelings of emptiness, loss of relevance, and thoughts of death are common but manageable. “Retirement may disrupt your biography, but it is not the end,” he encouraged. He urged participants to prepare financially, plan for their bills, manage their health, and engage in activities such as gardening, and walking.

“Be positive,” he said. “Unforgiveness, worry, anxiety, and stress can block blood flow to the brain. Let your mind stay joyful and grateful.” He further advised reducing red meat consumption, drinking more water, eating more fruits, managing chronic conditions, and taking prescribed medications faithfully.

Prof. Osafo revealed that construction is underway for the first Geriatric Centre for the Aged in Africa, located at the University of Ghana, Legon, to cater to the unique needs of the elderly with qualified medical practitioners.

Concluding his session, he reminded the ministers of God’s sustaining grace in old age. Quoting 2 Corinthians 4:16, he said, “Though the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.” He further referenced Isaiah 46:4, affirming that “God will still carry you in your old age,” and Psalm 71:18, adding that “God will not forsake you.” He encouraged, “Even in old age, you shall flourish and bear fruit as Psalm 92:12–14 declares. Remain strong and purposeful in the Lord.”

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