At the 2026 National Ministers’ Conference in Kumasi, National President Rev. Dr. Kofi Amfo-Akonnor turned attention to ministerial welfare, urging the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to strengthen support systems for its clergy.
He noted that while the Church has made strides in caring for ministers, significant gaps remain, particularly in pensions, health, and retirement support. He cited figures from the Agent Welfare Fund, stressing that contributions and allocations must be scaled up to meet the growing needs of ministers and their families.
According to him, the Fund’s current allocations are insufficient given the rising cost of living and inflation. He pointed out that food inflation alone reached nearly 28% in late 2024, with headline inflation standing at 23.1% in early 2025. “When basic food prices rise by 40–50% in some regions, ministers and their families are not exempt. Welfare must be responsive to these realities,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Amfo-Akonnor stated that welfare is not charity but justice. “Those who have laboured faithfully in the vineyard deserve dignity in retirement. Welfare is not a favour; it is a covenant responsibility,” he declared.
He called for deliberate investment in the Agent Welfare Fund, urging presbyteries and congregations to prioritise contributions. He also encouraged innovative approaches such as cooperative health schemes, housing support, and structured retirement packages.
“If we fail to plan adequately, we risk leaving our retired ministers vulnerable. But if we invest wisely, we honour their service and strengthen the future of the Church,” he said. The President ended by reminding ministers that welfare is both pastoral and prophetic. “How we treat our retired colleagues reflects our theology of ministry. Welfare is ministry in action,” he affirmed.
