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“Your Past Cannot Define You” – DDGP Rabbles (Retd) Encourages Ex-Offenders

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Former Deputy Director-General of Prisons in charge of Operations, Sylvester K. Badu Rabbles (Retd), has encouraged prison associates to reject stigma and intentionally pursue disciplined lifestyles that will help them avoid recidivism and successfully reintegrate into society.

Speaking on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Prison Associates’ Conference (PRISACON) at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Yesukrom on the topic, “Overcoming Stigmatisation and Recidivism,” DDGP Rabbles described stigma as a form of labelling that causes society to reject individuals because of their past mistakes or circumstances.

According to him, stigmatisation often results in low self-esteem, depression, hopelessness, discrimination, and social isolation, particularly when ex-offenders seek employment, accommodation, and acceptance within their communities.

He explained that recidivism refers to the tendency of ex-offenders to return to prison after release, stressing that the conference seeks to help participants break that cycle through transformation and intentional living.

“Your past cannot define you. It is not a permanent marker on your life,” he stated.

Referring to 2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 8:11, DDGP Rabbles noted that the grace and mercy of God are powerful enough to break cycles of crime and imprisonment.

He emphasised that ex-offenders would constantly face choices between lawful living and criminal behaviour, and therefore must establish strong personal discipline and life structures to guide their decisions.

According to him, discipline remains essential after release from prison, particularly because life outside prison does not come with the same controlled environment and strict regulations.

He encouraged participants to develop consistent spiritual and personal routines, including prayer, morning devotion, goal-setting, and productive work habits.

“The idle mind is the workshop of the devil,” he cautioned, urging participants to remain committed to productive and purposeful living.

DDGP Rabbles also warned against maintaining relationships with former criminal associates, describing such associations as one of the strongest indicators of recidivism.

“Be very wise in your choice of friends and avoid relationships that push you toward crime,” he advised.

He further encouraged prison associates to embrace humble beginnings, work diligently, and gradually build stable and respectable lives through legitimate means.

According to him, legally earned income promotes independence, confidence, self-respect, and personal dignity.

Touching on emotional management, he urged participants to learn how to control anger and avoid emotionally driven decisions that could lead to conflict and criminal behaviour.

He recommended counselling, prayer, meditation, reflection, exercise, and involvement in church activities as practical tools for personal transformation and emotional stability.

DDGP Rabbles noted that society may not immediately trust ex-offenders after their release, but consistency in positive behaviour would gradually build confidence and acceptance.

“Consistency will change how society sees you and how you see yourself,” he stressed.

He also encouraged prison workers and volunteers to intentionally mentor ex-convicts by monitoring their progress, offering guidance, and rewarding positive behavioural change.

Concluding his presentation, DDGP Rabbles reminded participants that God is able to transform broken lives for meaningful purposes.

“Overcoming stigma and recidivism is about building a life worthy of protection,” he concluded.

PENT NEWS

Church Urged to Raise Disciples for Workplace Impact web

Church Urged to Raise Disciples for Workplace Impact

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A National Executive Council (NEC) Member of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and General Overseer of Revival Outreach Church, Rev. Prof. Abednego Amartey, has called on the Church to intentionally raise faithful disciples whose values and conduct positively influence the workplace and society at large.

He made the call on Thursday, February 5, 2026, while addressing a plenary session of the 2026 Heads of Churches and Organisations Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic “Raising Faithful Christians to Impact the Workplace,” Rev. Prof. Amartey emphasised that authentic Christianity must extend beyond church gatherings into professional and public spaces through integrity, faithfulness, and responsible stewardship.

He explained that one of the Church’s challenges is the tendency to separate faith from daily work life, stressing that believers are called to reflect Christ wherever they are positioned. According to him, Christianity must be visible in how believers conduct themselves at work and contribute to improving their environments.

Using John 8:30–32 as his main text, Rev. Prof. Amartey highlighted the distinction between believers and disciples. He noted that while belief begins in the heart and is known fully only by God, discipleship is revealed through obedience and the practical application of God’s Word. He added that discipleship is a visible process demonstrated by consistent Christian living.

He further explained that intellectual knowledge of Scripture alone does not produce disciples, stressing that obedience and daily application of biblical principles are essential. Drawing from James 2:17–18, he noted that genuine faith is expressed through works and practical action.

Rev. Prof. Amartey underscored that discipleship remains a core mandate of the Church and must be accompanied by faithfulness, consistency, and accountability. Referencing 1 Corinthians 4:2 and Luke 16:10–13, he highlighted the importance of stewardship, noting that faithfulness in small responsibilities prepares believers for greater assignments.

Addressing workplace conduct, he urged church leaders to train members to demonstrate Christian values such as diligence, financial discipline, patience, and excellence in their professions. He also encouraged believers to actively seek the welfare and productivity of their organisations.

He called on the Church to remain intentional about raising faithful disciples whose lives bear visible fruit, noting that societal transformation is the outcome of effective discipleship.

PENT NEWS

PCC The Official Home Of The Church Of Pentecost General Council Meetings web

PCC: The Official Home Of The Church Of Pentecost General Council Meetings

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Situated in the serene town of Gomoa Fetteh in Ghana’s Central Region lies a world-class centre of Christian excellence—the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC). For many years now, this magnificent edifice has been the official venue of the General Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost, including the ongoing 47th Session of the General Council in 2025. But beyond just being a venue, PCC has become a sanctuary where vision is cast, purpose renewed, and history written.

Commissioned in 2015 with the sole aim of hosting the Church’s major events, PCC has quickly become one of the largest Christian event centres in West Africa. Its official slogan, “Home of Excellent Christian Hospitality,” is not just a tagline—it is a lived experience. The Centre combines iconic design, high technological specifications, and unmatched flexibility to offer a facility that is as functional as it is inspirational.

While it was originally established to serve the internal events of The Church of Pentecost, PCC has evolved to become a national treasure, attracting a wide range of users. Over the years, it has welcomed former and incumbent presidents, and policymakers, including H.E John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The Centre notably hosted the National Development Conference (NADEC) in 2023, which drew in past and current Speakers of Parliament, the Chief Justice, and other governance stakeholders.

Other denominations and para-church organisations such as Assemblies of God, Victory Bible Church, Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries, AME Zion, Local Council of Churches Ghana, and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) – Greater Accra have all used PCC’s excellent facilities.

Even beyond religious organisations, the Centre has served groups such as the Ghana Trade Unions, Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Compassion International Burkina Faso, National Youth Authority, and the College of Nurses and Midwives, among others.

Perhaps one of the Centre’s most remarkable moments came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a bold act of national service, The Church of Pentecost handed over the facility to the government to serve as an isolation and treatment centre—free of charge. That singular gesture earned the Centre—and the Church—nationwide respect, putting a global spotlight on PCC’s role in national development.

In 2023, as PCC marked its 10th anniversary, the Centre underwent a rebranding exercise, introducing a new logo and implementing major infrastructural upgrades. All directional signages from the Nyanyano Road to the gates of PCC were rebranded with vibrant colours, while newly installed 3D-lit signages now welcome guests into the lush, green expanse of the Centre.

Among the recent developments is the Daniel Yaw Owusu Anti Block, an 800-capacity modern accommodation block with 153 rooms, and an escalator—a first for the facility. All auditoriums have been enhanced with new curtains, improving the ambience and acoustics for a wide range of events.

The Pentecost Convention Centre offers facilities and services that rival international standards. With various types of accommodation, front desk and concierge services, housekeeping, catering, event planning, laundry, Wi-Fi access, gym, security systems, car washing bay, spacious parking, and accessibility services for persons with disabilities, it caters to both the spiritual and physical needs of its patrons.

Whether it is seminars, retreats, prayer sessions, conferences, family gatherings, or private spiritual retreats, PCC provides an environment that fosters both reflection and renewal. The facility’s greenery is carefully maintained, contributing to the serene and picturesque environment that guests have come to love.

The Eatery has also been expanded, now equipped with state-of-the-art culinary equipment and professional staff ready to serve thousands.

In 2024 alone, the Pentecost Convention Centre hosted over 60,000 guests—a testament to its rising influence and continued relevance. And according to Management, this is just the beginning. As the Church continues to grow and serve both its members and the wider Ghanaian society, PCC stands as a powerful symbol of excellence, service, and divine vision fulfilled.