Posts in category: Top Stories

The Mandari District in the Sawla Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised a breast cancer awareness event, offering free screening for women in Mandari and neighbouring communities.

Held in collaboration with the Mandari Health Centre on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Mandari Central Assembly auditorium, the event aimed to educate participants on the causes, effects, and risk factors of breast cancer, as well as the importance of self-examinations for early detection.

During the event, 120 women underwent breast cancer screenings, and several others were examined for general health issues.

This year’s event, spearheaded by the Pentecost Child and Youth Development Centre (PCYDC) in Mandari District, was part of the district’s annual free health screening programmes. For instance, last year, 85 members were registered for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with 195 members screened for various ailments.

Delivering his welcome address, Pastor Jones Dwomoh Amankwah, the Mandari District Minister, highlighted that the screening and awareness efforts are part of the Church’s social responsibility towards its members and the community. He emphasised the Church’s aim to provide a holistic gospel that addresses the physical, social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of both members and non-members in the communities it operates.

Mr. Yandam Azuma, the officer in charge of the Mandari Health Centre, provided valuable information to participants about breast cancer. He highlighted the prevalence of the disease in Ghana, noting that while women are at higher risk, men can also be affected.

The Project Director for PCYDC in Mandari, Mr. Micheal Jaquah, expressed gratitude to the participants and caregivers for their engagement and turnout.

Participants also conveyed their joy and appreciation to the church leadership for organising this important event, as many committed to conducting self-examinations and educating others on early detection to save more lives.

Breast cancer remains a significant threat in Ghana and globally. According to the Ghana Health Service, the disease claimed 2,900 lives in 2019.

Furthermore, over 4,000 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis annually, with 50% of them succumbing to the disease. This underscores the importance of early detection, increased awareness, and regular screenings.

Report by Mandari District Media Team

Pastor Frank Awuah Fordjour, the Sehwi Essam-Debiso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has called on religious leaders across the nation to intercede for a peaceful and smooth election process as the country goes to the polls on December 7.

Speaking to PENTECOST NEWS after his engagement with traditional rulers and religious leaders on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Debiso Central Assembly auditorium in the Bia West District of the Western North Region, Pastor Fordjour emphasised the crucial role of spiritual guidance and prayers in fostering national unity and stability, especially before, during, and after election periods.

He highlighted the responsibility of clergy to stand in the gap and seek divine intervention for a peaceful election.

He further appealed to all Ghanaians to fulfill their roles to ensure that the country maintains a peaceful atmosphere.

Nana Yaw Berima, Kontihene of Sehwi Yamatwa, urged various chiefs in the area to seek development from politicians instead of engaging in political activities.

He also encouraged them to remain committed to preventing illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey,’ from affecting the Bia West District.

Report by Sehwi Essam-Debiso Area Media Team

The Nkawkaw Area of The Church of Pentecost has launched ‘Agent of Peace Campaign’ in anticipation of the upcoming general elections.

The campaign themed “Seek Peace and Pursue It” (Psalm 34:14b) was launched on Sunday, September 26, 2024, at Barrier Assembly in the Nkawkaw Akuajoo District, emphasising the vital role of peace in communities, nations, and personal lives, especially in the context of Ghana’s current tense pre-election period.

The significant event, held in collaboration with Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) member churches attracted a diverse audience, including political, religious, and social leaders, traditional rulers, and security personnel, all united in the pursuit of peace and unity ahead of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.

During his speech, Prophet Foster Aniakwaa, the Nkawkaw Area Head and Chairman of GPCC (Kwahu Area) highlighted the importance of justice, harmony, respect, and understanding among individuals, groups, and institutions during this election period.

He stated, “Seeking peace should be an intentional pursuit. We must take active steps toward peace, recognising that it requires more than just good intentions. It demands deliberate efforts from all of us, especially in times of tension as we approach elections and other key national events. Each one of us, whether as leaders or community members, has a role to play in nurturing peace.”

Prophet Aniakwaa also urged all governmental institutions, particularly those directly involved in the elections, and all political leaders to acknowledge that maintaining peace in politics is a crucial responsibility.

He emphasised that peace should not be viewed as a tool for political gain but as a moral obligation to the citizens of Ghana.

He called for political engagement characterised by respect, civility, and fairness, highlighting that the power of peace fosters progress.

He appealed to the chiefs and traditional leaders, who serve as pillars of wisdom and mediation in communities, to uphold the principles of peace and ensure harmony at the grassroots level.

Additionally, he urged the Islamic community and all religious organisations, known for promoting unity, compassion, and reconciliation, to become partners in the peace-building process through their sermons, community engagements, and interfaith dialogues.

In closing, Prophet Aniakwaa, on behalf of The Church of Pentecost, encouraged all citizens to be ambassadors of peace, not just in their words but also through their actions, ensuring that their collective efforts create a stable, secure, and prosperous future for generations to come.

Present at the launch were Mrs Grace Aniakwaa (Wife of the Area Head), Hon. Atta Ofori Senior. (MCE, Kwahu South), Elder Isaac Agyapong (DCE, Kwahu East), parliamentary candidates for NDC and NPP, representatives from the Electoral Commission, Area pastorate and their wives, Hon. Daniel Agyapong (Area Deacon), along with officers and members from the Area.

Report by Nkawkaw Area Media Team

The Church of Pentecost has taken a major step towards harnessing the experience of its retired ministers by formally incorporating them into ministry roles.

On Thursday October 24, 2024 a seminar was organized at the Sophia McKeown Temple of The Church of Pentecost, Accra to commence the activities to tap the expertise and contributions of retired ministers and their wives for the administration and growth of traditional and new ministry interventions under Vision 2028.

The ‘Advisory Committee for Incorporating Retired Ministers into The Operations of The Church’ set up by the Executive Council presented a comprehensive framework to the retired minister and their wives aimed at ensuring retired ministers remain relevant in their Local Assemblies and Districts, even after retirement.

The retirees were introduced to the new ministries set up under Vision 2028, and encouraged them to serve across several ministries, including the traditional Ministries and all the new ministry.

Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh who is the chairman of the advisory committee, however highlighted that this intervention is not compulsory but it is hoped that those with special expertise and passion to sacrifice their knowledge and expertise will be a great innovation to the possessing the nations agenda of the church.

The framework provides a unique opportunity for retired ministers to leverage their extensive knowledge by offering counseling, leading prayer groups, mentoring younger ministers, and helping guide the new initiatives under visions 2028.

Additionally, the framework allows them to join intercessory prayer groups and contribute their wisdom and insight to the church.

The retired ministers have been given the opportunity to register for at most one ministry and not more than two activities in the selected ministry so they will be oriented on the operational matrix. The limitation to selection has been put in place to prevent the retired ministers from being stressed.

The Church of Pentecost is hopeful that this integration will be a game-changer in its ongoing mission to “possess the nations,” tapping into the vast experience of retirees to shape the future of the Church.

Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, the General Secretary communicated the support of the church’s leadership to the initiative and admonished retirees who can to join.

Present at the seminar were Directors of all ministries and coordinators of all the new ministry intervention.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost has launched the ‘Agent of Peace Campaign’ in Greater Kumasi to promote peace ahead of this year’s general elections.

The launch event, which took place on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the A.T Nartey Memorial Temple at Bantama, brought together members, officers, pastors, and Area Heads from Abuakwa, Atonsu, Asokwa, Bompata, Ejisu, Kwadaso, New Tafo, Old Tafo, and Suame Areas. The event began with a peace march through the principal streets of Kumasi, where participants displayed peace-promoting placards.

Under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It” (Psalm 34:14), the campaign is part of the Church’s effort to educate its members and the general public on the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.

In his welcome address, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, the Campaign Coordinator, highlighted the significance of peace, unity, and responsible citizenship as the nation prepares for the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024. He stressed that Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful nation is divine, and it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard this peace.

The Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Committee, Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng, exhorted the congregation on the essence of peace and emphasised that every believer is accountable for its defense.

Miss Margaret Konama, the Ashanti Regional Director for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), educated the congregation on the rules of conduct during voting. She cautioned Ghanaians against misinformation and urged everyone to act responsibly in the lead-up to and after the polls.

On his part, Nana Owusu Appau III, the Bantama Gyaasehene, urged the Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu