Sunday, September 8, 2024, was a monumental day for the members of The Church of Pentecost in the Northern regions of Ghana as the long-awaited Salaga Area was officially inaugurated.
The event, filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the church in the region.
The inauguration service was officiated by Apostle John Budu Kobina Tawiah, the Tamale Area Head and Coordinator for the Northern Regional Coordinating Committee of the church. Adding to the excitement of the day was the formal welcome of Pastor Hayford Nsiah Yatimbo and his family as the Area Head of the new Area.
The creation of the Salaga Area was approved during the 48th Extraordinary Council Meeting of The Church of Pentecost held in May 2024. The new Area consists of 15 districts carved out from the Tamale, Yendi, and Atebubu Areas. This restructuring aims to foster growth and enhance the church’s presence in the northern part of the country.
The history of The Church of Pentecost in the area dates back to 1962, starting in Adamupe and later expanding to many other communities, including Salaga. The church in the area has seen many ministers, beginning with Pastor John Danah, followed by Pastors Peter Asiedu, Isaac Nakujah (all deceased), Raymond Hagan, Osgood Enin, Julius Semenyo, Stephen Appiah (late), Benjamin Kwaku Amankwaah, Selasi Amededeka, and the current minister, George N. Lawoh.
Many officers who played various roles in the development of the church in the area were also acknowledged.
Apostle J. B. K. Tawiah delivered a sermon on the theme, ‘The Messenger of God,’ drawn from Exodus 3:4-18 and Deuteronomy 18:18. He stated that a messenger of God is someone chosen from among the people to carry out a special task on behalf of the Lord.
He encouraged the congregation to support Pastor Yatimbo to succeed, reminding them that God equips those He calls, working through their weaknesses to accomplish His divine purpose.
Apostle Tawiah indicated that a true servant of God operates in God’s strength, often accompanied by signs and wonders. Amidst prophetic declarations, fervent prayers were made for the rapid growth of the Salaga Area.
In addition to the inauguration and welcome service, the event also featured the dedication of a new mission house that will serve as a residence for the Area Head and his family.
Pastor Yatimbo and his wife, Salomey, previously served in the Old Fadama District in the Kaneshie Area. Together with his family, Pastor Yatimbo expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception they received from the congregation, the leadership, and the pastorate.
The inauguration service was attended by several church leaders, including Pastor James Magyam and his wife (Yendi Area Head), Pastor B. A. M. Abogorago and his wife (Wa Area Head), and Pastor Fredrick Obo and his wife (Sawla Area Head), other ministers of the church, chiefs, and other dignitaries, along with officers and members from various districts in the Area.
Report by Tamale Media Team
