The Takoradi Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Joseph Assabil, has inaugurated the Chieftaincy Ministry in the Area to provide chaplaincy services to chiefs, queens and royals in the church.
The ceremony took place recently at the A.T. Nartey Memorial Temple in Takoradi.
Addressing the congregants, Apostle Joseph Assabil said that the chieftaincy institution, described as the ‘soul of the nation’, plays an integral role in the nation.
“The cultural heritage we have as Ghanaians is our chieftaincy institution, which has been in existence for many years now, providing leadership for the Ghanaian society and at community levels,” he stated.
He encouraged the chiefs and queen mothers in the church to submit and rely solely on God as traditional rulers of the land.
Referring to Romans 13, he further admonished Christians to show respect to the traditional leaders, since they have been positioned in the communities by God to lead.
“Christians must desist from the common practices where people use all forms of media to perpetuate falsehoods on people in authority,” he explained and added that: “Such behaviour is unchristian and must not be emulated by others.”
Nana Kofi Abuna V, Chief of Essipong, who is a Member of the National Executive Committee of the Chieftaincy Ministry and special guest of honour, admonished Christian royals to be bold and avail themselves for enstoolment anytime the opportunity comes, bearing in mind that God is with them.
He said: “Use the opportunity to transform lives and communities with Kingdom principles and values.”
A 7-member Area Chieftaincy Committee was inaugurated to steer the affairs of the ministry in the Area.
The committee is chaired by Nana Kwasi Agyeman IX (Paramount Chief of Dixcove Traditional Area), with Nana Arhinful (Obomsu Adansi), Nana Hemaa Ekua Daayee (Nifahene Hemaa of Tarkwa Nsuaem), Elder Philip Cudjoe (Royal, Fijai Traditional Area), Elder Edward Essuman (Royal, Kwesimintsim Traditional Area), Pastor Stephen K. Asuo (Pentecost Men’s Ministry Representative), and Pastor Capt. Godswill M. Gatorwu (Chaplaincy Ministry Representative), as its members.
The Chairman, Nana Kwasi Agyeman IX, in a brief response expressed his gratitude to God, the Area Head and membership of the church for making the inauguration a success.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I pledge that we would discharge our outlined duties to the best of our abilities and competencies. Nevertheless, we would respectfully like to plead with leadership and members to give us their unflinching support to enable us serve the Lord and the church well,” he pledged.
The Chieftaincy Ministry was inaugurated as part of Vision 2023 (a five-year strategic plan of The Church of Pentecost), charged to mobilise and educate royals in the church, to influence their spheres with the values and principles of the kingdom of God.
Also present at the event were Mrs. Rebecca Assabil (Wife of Takoradi Area Head), Pastor Stephen Okyere Acheampong (Takoradi Area Secretary and Effiekuma District Minister), Deaconess Dr. Gladys Quartey (National Women’s Ministry Executive Committee Member), Pastor Philip Kwashie Ackumey (Pentecost Men’s Ministry National Executive Committee Member and Apremdo District Minister), and Deaconess Sarah Ama Appiah (Takoradi Area Women’s Ministry Leader), as well as the Area Pastorate and their wives.
Report by Pastor Ernest Perbi-Asare, Takoradi Area Media Ministry Pastor.