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True Transformation Begins From Within – Her Honour Deaconess Bempong

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Circuit Court Judge and Prison Ministry Advocate, Her Honour Deaconess Sarah Nkansah Bempong, has called on believers to pursue deeper fellowship with the Holy Spirit, stressing that lasting transformation begins from within through the power of the gospel.

Speaking on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Prison Associates’ Conference (PRISACON), at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Yesukrom, on the topic, “The Transforming Power of the Gospel and the Infilling of the Holy Ghost,” she explained that the gospel of Jesus Christ remains the power of God that brings salvation and complete transformation to all who believe.

According to her, the transformation produced by the gospel begins first in the unseen realm before it manifests outwardly in a person’s life and character.

“The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe,” she stated.

Drawing from Ephesians 2:6, she noted that humanity once fell from a glorious position through sin, but the gospel restores believers and transfers them from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.

She further explained that the transforming work of Christ extends beyond salvation to the renewal of personality, character, and conduct.

Referring to 1 Corinthians 6:19, Deaconess Nkansah Bempong stressed that God gave believers the Holy Spirit to dwell within them so that inward transformation would be reflected outwardly in their lives.

“God brought His Holy Spirit to live within us so that something on your inside will work on your outside,” she explained.

She stated that believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit become more sensitive to the voice and promptings of God, especially in moments of temptation and spiritual conflict.

According to her, the absence of the Holy Spirit’s influence often results in continuous warfare between the desires of the flesh and those of the Spirit.

She therefore encouraged participants to intentionally seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit through prayer, fasting, and consistent study of the Word of God.

“The prayer that produces the infilling of the Holy Ghost is a tarrying prayer,” she emphasised.

Deaconess Nkansah Bempong also urged participants to depend on Christ for strength to resist corruption, bribery, and sinful lifestyles, stressing that genuine encounters with God deepen one’s prayer life and spiritual discipline.

She concluded by encouraging prison associates to remain committed to spiritual growth and intimacy with God, noting that lasting transformation is sustained through continuous fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

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PENTSOS Director Encourages Ex-Offenders To Embrace Entrepreneurship

by with No Comment Church NewsPENTSOSTop Stories

The Director of Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS), Pastor Benjamin Asare Yeboah, has encouraged prison associates to embrace entrepreneurship as a practical pathway to economic independence, dignity, and successful reintegration into society.

Speaking on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Prison Associates’ Conference (PRISACON) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) Gomoa-Yesukrom on the topic, “Entrepreneurship: Engaging in a Profitable Venture That Can Be Sustained and Expanded,” Pastor Asare Yeboah acknowledged the challenges many ex-offenders face after leaving prison, particularly social stigma, unemployment, and limited opportunities for reintegration.

According to him, the inability of many ex-offenders to secure employment contributes significantly to recidivism, noting that societal rejection and economic hardship often push individuals back into crime.

He, however, encouraged participants not to surrender to societal limitations but to intentionally create opportunities for themselves through entrepreneurship and skills development.

“You do not need society’s permission to create value for yourself,” he stated.

Pastor Asare Yeboah urged prison associates to start small, remain disciplined, and build trust gradually within their communities.

He explained that the first few months after release are critical, stressing the importance of reconnecting with family, demonstrating responsibility, and engaging in honest work, no matter how small the beginning may appear.

“Consistency is the proof of change people will believe,” he emphasised.

According to him, entrepreneurship offers ex-offenders an opportunity to rebuild confidence and regain dignity without depending entirely on formal employment systems.

He encouraged participants to identify needs within their communities and use available skills, talents, and resources to provide services and generate income.

Touching on personal development, Pastor Asare Yeboah highlighted discipline, honesty, creativity, patience, and persistence as essential qualities for building sustainable businesses.

He also advised participants to avoid reckless spending, manage money wisely, and protect themselves from common financial scams.

The PENTSOS Director further identified several vocational and technical fields currently in high demand in Ghana, including electrical work, welding, plumbing, refrigeration and air-conditioning services, auto mechanics, carpentry, masonry, solar energy installation, fashion design, and heavy equipment operation.

He noted that small businesses such as thrift clothing sales, phone accessories, home cleaning services, and local food vending could be started with relatively low capital.

Pastor Asare Yeboah also highlighted various interventions by PENTSOS and The Church of Pentecost aimed at empowering unemployed persons and vulnerable groups through skills training and entrepreneurship support.

According to him, PENTSOS has established vocational and community-based skills training centres across the country, including centres within prisons and correctional facilities, to equip individuals with practical employable skills.

He further explained that the organisation collaborates with local artisans and vocational masters to provide community-based apprenticeship opportunities in trades such as fashion design, carpentry, and plumbing.

Despite the stigma often associated with ex-offenders, Pastor Asare Yeboah urged participants not to allow their past to determine their economic future.

“Entrepreneurship is more than making a living; it is reclaiming your dignity, rebuilding your life, and bringing lasting value to your community,” he stressed.

He concluded by encouraging participants to remain focused, disciplined, and determined in their pursuit of transformation and economic stability.

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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.

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PRISACON 2026 Underway At PCC

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The maiden edition of the Prison Associates’ Conference (PRISACON), organised by the Prison Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, is currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa-Yesukrom, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.

The conference, which is being held under the theme, “The Prison Associate Transformed By The Gospel And Power of The Holy Spirit For A Better Life” (Colossians 1:4-6, Philemon 10:11, 1 Samuel 10:6), is expected to end on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Delivering the opening address, the Chairman of the Prison Ministry Committee of the Church, Apostle ADP James Tetteh, described the conference as a historic gathering that would leave lasting memories in the minds of participants while helping them discover deeper meaning and purpose in life.

According to him, the Prison Ministry is shifting greater attention towards the reintegration of former inmates into society. He explained that although previous interventions largely focused on persons in confinement, the ministry is now placing stronger emphasis on supporting individuals who have completed their sentences and are seeking to rebuild their lives.

Apostle Tetteh observed that some individuals unfortunately leave prison in worse conditions than when they entered. He, however, stressed that the Church remains committed to demonstrating the love of Christ to all persons, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Quoting the words of Jesus Christ, “I was in prison and you came to take care of me,” he noted that the Church’s mission extends beyond the walls of the church auditorium to people who are often neglected and rejected by society.

He further indicated that the ultimate answer to the challenges confronting society is the gospel of Jesus Christ accompanied by the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit. According to him, the Church must continue to reach out to people bound by sin and social exclusion while helping offenders to learn from their mistakes, rebuild their lives, and successfully reintegrate into society.

Speakers billed for the conference include Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman, The CoP); Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary, The CoP); Apostle A. N. Y. Kumi-Larbi (Ghana Prison Service Council Chairman); Apostle ADP James Tetteh (Chairman, Prison Ministry Committee); and Pastor DSP Thomas Owusu Brefo (National Coordinator, Prison Ministry).

Other speakers include Her Honour Deaconess Sarah Nkansah Bempong (Circuit Court Judge and Prison Ministry Advocate), Professor Oppong Asante (Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Ghana), DDGP Sylvester Rabbles (Retd) and Elder John Coffie.

The conference forms part of the broader vision of the Church to support rehabilitation, restoration, and reintegration efforts among inmates and ex-convicts through the transforming power of the gospel.

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Director-General Of Prisons Strengthens Ties With The Church of Pentecost web

Director-General Of Prisons Strengthens Ties With The Church of Pentecost

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The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, visited the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the church’s general headquarters in La, Accra.

The meeting aimed to strengthen the Prisons Service’s ties with the church and to discuss ongoing and future collaborations between the two institutions.

Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie expressed her appreciation for the church’s involvement in her induction ceremony and the prayers offered on her behalf. She also shared a personal connection with The Church of Pentecost.

Highlighting the church’s contributions, Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie stated: ‘The Church of Pentecost has been a pillar of support for the Ghana Prisons Service. The church’s commitment to improving the lives of inmates is commendable.’

Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie also discussed innovative rehabilitation strategies that her administration intends to roll out with the support of the church.

In response, Apostle Eric Nyamekye expressed his appreciation for the visit and reiterated the church’s commitment to supporting the Ghana Prisons Service. He emphasised the church’s mandate to contribute to national development.

‘Our inspiration is drawn from Hebrews 13:3, which admonishes us to remember those in prison as if we were together with them. We are not just constructing buildings; we are investing in lives,’ he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye further stated: ‘We are committed to holistic rehabilitation, encompassing spiritual salvation, education, and overall well-being of inmates.’

Apostle Professor Agyapong Kodua, Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of transformative education that the church seeks to undertake in the prisons. He outlined four key dimensions of the university’s educational initiatives: moral formation, national commitment, pastoral counselling, and skill development.

‘Our ultimate aim is to help inmates come out of prison transformed and ready to contribute positively to society,’ Apostle Professor Kodua emphasised.

The church was represented by Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi (General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Executive Council Member/Coordinator of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Committee), Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (Executive Council Member/La Area Head), Apostle Mike Etrue (Executive Council Member/Coordinator of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Committee) Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah (Executive Council Member-Elect/Director of the Counselling Ministry), Apostle James Orhin Agyin (Projects Development and Estate Manager), Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse (Director, Pent Media Centre) and Pastor Benedict Eghan (Personal Assistant to the Chairman).

Delegates from the Ghana Prisons Service included Dr Francis Omane Addo (Deputy Director-General, Operations), Madam Gloria Essandoh (Director of Prisons – Technical), Mr Kweku Ali Ababio (Director of Prisons – Agriculture), Rev. Dr S. S. Adoma Okai (Deputy Director of Prisons – Chaplain General), ADP Akoto, ADP Michael Obeng, and CSP Rev. Moses Anima.

PENT NEWS.