Faith on rough roads…

The Western Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) is vast, stretching across towns and districts connected by roads that are rough and unforgiving. Yet, for six days between 11th and 16th November 2025, those roads became the path of renewal, encouragement, and unity as the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, embarked on a pastoral tour that touched hearts and congregations.

As I traveled with the Moderator, I saw firsthand the resilience of our church members. The journey was not without its challenges — long distances, bumpy roads, and the fatigue of constant movement. The joy is everywhere we went, we were met with warmth, and I observed congregations eager to hear the Moderator’s message: Christ is the true foundation, and the PCG must build faithfully on the foundation already laid.

Pedu, Assin Fosu – Where it all started

The tour began at Pedu, where districts from Cape Coast, Saltpond, and Mankessim gathered. The Moderator reminded the church that while heritage is worth celebrating, the present call is to “build on the foundation laid by Jesus Christ.” His words resonated deeply, urging ministers, catechists, and congregants to wear their Presbyterian identity with pride.

Later at Assin Fosu, the Moderator combined spiritual encouragement with practical support. Ten hairdressers received hair dryers to boost their livelihoods, a gesture that reflected the PCG’s holistic mission of faith and development intertwined.

Bogoso, Tarkwa – Expanding Reach

The second day took us through Bogoso and Tarkwa, where the Moderator emphasised joy in service and warned against division. His message was clear: discouragement must not derail the church’s mission.

At Tarkwa, he praised the PCG’s contributions to healthcare and development, reminding congregants that prayer and Bible study are the bedrock of spiritual discipline. He also spoke passionately about Agenda 2Million, the church’s growth initiative, noting that the PCG’s congregations now span the United States, Europe, Australia and Dubai.

Enchi – Office, RCH dedications

Enchi welcomed the Moderator with a brass band procession that stretched from the principal street to the church premises. The highlight was the dedication of the new District Office and a Reproductive and Child Health Centre at the Presbyterian Health Service, symbolizing the PCG’s commitment to both spiritual and physical well-being.

Despite the huge positives challenges came to light. District reports revealed ministerial shortages, prompting the Moderator to assure congregants that more ministers would be posted to the area. He hinted at the creation of a new presbytery to ease pastoral burdens.

Manso Amenfi stopover  

At Manso Amenfi, the Moderator donated GHS 5,000 to support the newly inaugurated district. His message remained consistent: Christ is the foundation, and unity is essential. At Anyinase, he commended the outgoing Clerk of General Assembly, Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor, and announced preparation to welcome Rev. David Aboagye-Danquah as his successor. He urged congregants to embrace the Bicentennial Bibles, describing them as “legacy Bibles” filled with rich church history.

Takoradi Durbar – Unity and Social Witness

The Salem Congregation at Anaji hosted a durbar that brought together districts from Sekondi, Effiekuma, Kwesimintsim, and Takoradi. Reports highlighted progress and challenges, but the Moderator’s response was unwavering: remain faithful, pray, and serve. He reiterated the PCG’s stance against illegal mining and LGBTQ+ practices, reminding congregants that the PCG had communicated its position on these issues publicly.

Trinity, Takoradi – Pitch Your Tent in Christ

The final day was marked by a service at Trinity Congregation, Takoradi. Preaching on Genesis 13:1–12, the Moderator warned against “pitching your tent towards Sodom.” Lot’s choice of fertile plains, he explained, was visually appealing but spiritually destructive.

“Pitching your tent near Sodom is the beginning of living there,” he cautioned. “Pitch yourself to Jesus.” His sermon was a fitting conclusion to a week that had consistently pointed congregants back to Christ as the true foundation. 

Recurring Themes

Across every stop, three themes recurred: the upcoming bicentennial anniversary, Agenda 2Million, and the Kutunse Project. The Moderator urged congregants to support these efforts wholeheartedly, reminding them that faith must be matched with commitment.

Personal Reflection

Traveling with the Moderator across the Western Presbytery was both enlightening and exhausting. The roads were rough, but the Agents and congregants inspired hope. Each district welcomed us with joy, music, and hospitality. The Moderator’s consistency in message; Christ as foundation, unity as strength, and growth as mission was spot on.

Typical of our church, I saw a firm balance between spiritual exhortation and practical support. From donating hair dryers to giving financial support and dedicating health facilities, the Moderator embodied the PCG’s holistic vision: we a church that unquestionably nurtures both soul and society.

Looking back on the visit, I believe that as a church, we are not only celebrating heritage; we are actively building on Christ’s foundation and that is imperative. To sum it all up, in the Western Presbytery, I saw a church whose Agents and congregants remain unshaken. The Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Joseph Apea Asamoah and his workforce deserve commendation for their sacrifices.

By: Jerome Otchere, Public Relations Officer.