Ministerial trainees at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi, have been urged to prioritise disability inclusion and conduct accessibility audits in their congregations. The call was made by the Minister‑in‑Charge of the Jeremiah Congregation, Akyem Aboabo in the West Akyem Presbytery, Rev. Kwadwo Duah‑Agyekum, during a presentation on “Issues in Ministry and People with Disability” at the Conferences, Seminars and Workshops (CWS) on Saturday.
Rev. Duah‑Agyekum reminded trainees that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are part of God’s children and must be treated with dignity, care and respect. He stressed that creating welcoming congregations requires ministers to intentionally build their knowledge on disability issues and respond to PWDs with pastoral sensitivity. “The Bible urges us to treat all people with honour,” he said.
He emphasised that disability does not negate God’s blessings, noting that PWDs possess gifts and talents that enrich the church’s mission. He dismissed the notion that PWDs seek sympathy, insisting that what they need is respect, attention and genuine pastoral care. “Ministers must pay utmost attention to their concerns,” he added.
Taking students through the PCG’s disability policy and national frameworks on disability inclusion, Rev. Duah‑Agyekum advocated the removal of anti‑PWD structures in congregations to give practical meaning to the church’s commitments. He highlighted the need for proper orientation for Presbyters and church leaders, noting that ushers in particular require significant training to understand and support PWDs effectively.
He stressed that the call extends beyond trainees to all ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, urging them to lead the way in modelling inclusion and ensuring that congregational spaces reflect Christ’s love for all people. “Accessibility must be intentional. Let us ensure that our congregations reflect the love of Christ by welcoming all of God’s people” Rev. Duah‑Agyekum said during the interactive session of the CWS. Students asked questions and advocated that the church must do more to support PWDs.
By Jerome Otchere
