You’ve not disintegrated… We commend you

The Government of Ghana has commended the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for its resilience and unity as it approaches its 200‑year anniversary, praising the church for sustaining a disciplined, mission‑focused witness across generations.

Speaking on behalf of the President, H. E. John Dramani Mahama, at the 26th General Assembly at Abetifi‑Kwahu, the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, noted that managing human institutions is never easy, yet the church “has not disintegrated, but remains determined to build upon the foundation that was laid.”

Dr Debrah, reflecting on the General Assembly’s theme “Celebrating Our Heritage – Building on the Foundation Already Laid,” described the church’s near‑bicentennial journey as an extraordinary achievement. He reminded delegates that heritage is both a gift and a responsibility, adding that every generation receives unfinished work and will be judged by how faithfully it strengthens the foundation laid on Christ.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of missionaries, teachers, nurses, ministers and lay members who “worked without applause” to build institutions that continue to serve Ghana today. He urged the church to maintain its strong prophetic voice, calling on Presbyterians to “speak with courage and consistency” as the nation confronts social, economic and moral challenges.

Dr Debrah said government policies must translate into food security, healing in hospitals, productivity on farms and stability in the economy, warning that corruption undermines every effort and misleads the younger generation. Public servants, he stressed, must demonstrate humility, honesty and care for public resources, because accountability must never be selective and justice must never depend on political affiliation.

He commended the church for its peacebuilding and interfaith work, noting that Ghana is strongest when people of different convictions live together in harmony. He called for collective action against environmental degradation, describing responsible mining as a moral duty and reminding the nation that “water is not partisan; a poisoned river does not ask how a community voted.”

Dr Debrah also acknowledged the church’s concerns about flooding, LGBTQ matters, rising indiscipline in senior high schools and the need for mechanised agriculture. He assured the Assembly that government is addressing these issues, including ongoing work on the Afram Plains bridge to improve access to one of Ghana’s major food baskets.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to serve all Ghanaians regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, faith, gender or background, emphasising the resilience of the Ghanaian people and the need for humility, discipline and shared purpose.

Accompanying the Chief of Staff was the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey. Former Finance Minister and Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Mr. Seth Terkper, who is a member of the church, was also present along with Businessman and Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency, Dr Bryan Acheampong who is also a congregant.

By Jerome Otchere