The Convener of the Moderatorial Gown Review Committee and former Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor, has announced that the Moderatorial Gown Design Competition officially begins immediately, with 1st September 2026 set as the deadline for submission of designs.
The provisional declaration of results will be made on 2nd October 2026. He explained that submitted designs will be assessed using key criteria, including historical relevance, biblical symbolism, cultural appropriateness, practicality, and alignment with Presbyterian identity.
Rev. Dr. Odonkor made the announcement during the launch of the Indigenous Moderatorial Gown Design Competition at Church House, Osu, Accra. He noted that the initiative forms part of preparations toward the church’s 200th anniversary celebrations and reflects its commitment to strengthening identity, cultural relevance, and contextual Christian expression.
He stated that the church has reached an important moment in its history. The current gown—introduced in 1955 and inspired by clerical dress from the Church of Scotland—has served the church for decades but now requires review to reflect Ghanaian Presbyterian heritage, climate, and cultural sensibilities.
Rev. Dr. Odonkor explained that the General Assembly Council tasked the committee to examine the background, philosophy, and theological foundations of the gown. Their work included studying the historical origins of the Scottish gown, assessing its relevance to the Reformed tradition, and evaluating practical concerns such as climate suitability, fabric type, and cultural sensitivity.
He announced that the committee had developed clear guidelines for the competition and emphasised that the process would be open, democratic, and transparent, inviting designers, creatives, and artisans from across Ghana and beyond to participate. The selected colours—white and grey—were chosen for their strong Presbyterian symbolism.
Rev. Dr. Odonkor encouraged participants to see the competition not only as a design challenge but as an opportunity to contribute to the church’s history. He expressed gratitude to committee members, invited guests, and all stakeholders present, describing the moment as a significant milestone in the church’s journey toward a culturally grounded and contextually meaningful Moderatorial gown.
He urged the church to embrace this opportunity with pride, creativity, and prayer, noting that the new gown will become a lasting symbol of Ghanaian Presbyterian identity for generations to come.
By Jerome Otchere
