The Ga West Presbytery is preparing for the induction of its third Chairperson, Rev. David Sowateye Obli, on Sunday, 11th October 2026, in a service scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at the Kaneshie Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
The induction service will be officiated by the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, assisted by the Clerk of the General Assembly and Members of the General Assembly Council. The event marks a significant moment in the leadership and continuing development of the Presbytery.
Rev. Obli’s assumption of office comes as the Ga West Presbytery marks its tenth anniversary, offering an opportunity to reflect on its institutional journey, consolidate achievements and consider priorities for the next phase of its growth.
A Ministry Rooted in Mission and Evangelism
Born on 8 September 1966 at Akuse in the Eastern Region, the incoming Chairperson hails from La in the Greater Accra Region. His academic background spans Political Science, Economics, Theology and Religious Studies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics (University of Ghana, 1994), a Diploma in Theology (Trinity Theological Seminary, 1998), and an MPhil in Religious Studies (Missiology) from Central University (2020).
Commissioned into the ordained ministry in June 1998 and ordained in 2000, his early pastoral work took him to the Ebenezer Congregation, Sege, where he planted two congregations at Akplananya and Sonkorpe—demonstrating a strong commitment to evangelism and congregational development.
In 2003, he was appointed General Secretary of the Ghana Blue Cross Society, serving for eight years and leading nationwide crusades and revival programmes. His subsequent ministerial assignments included the Mount Zion Congregation, Odorkor, the Macedonia Congregation, Mataheko, and service at Adjen Kotoku from 2018 to 2024, where he became the first District Minister in December 2023.
He also served as Coordinator for Specialized Ministries of the Ga West Presbytery and later as Director of Mission and Evangelism from 2020 to 2026.
Why the Chairperson’s Office Matters
The office of Presbytery Chairperson carries responsibilities beyond congregational leadership. It demands spiritual guidance, coordination of ministerial work, collaboration with district leadership and oversight of the Presbytery’s mission within the Church’s governance structures.
The Chairperson will be expected to work with Ministers, Presbyters, Lay Representatives and congregations to strengthen unity, encourage evangelism, promote responsible stewardship and support the continuing development of the Presbytery—particularly as it reflects on its first decade and plans for the future.
Rev. Obli’s extensive experience in mission, evangelism, church planting and specialised ministries provides important context for the contribution he may bring to the office. His specific priorities, however, will be shaped by his own vision and the Presbytery’s collective direction.
Service Beyond the Pulpit
Beyond his pastoral assignments, the incoming Chairperson has contributed to the wider work of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana through service on the National Youth Council and the National Evangelism Committee. He translated the devotional material Light for Our Path from English into Ga and served on the planning committee for the Ghana@50 National Crusade.
Together with his wife, Mrs. Felicia Obli, he established the Rev. Obli Foundation in 2011 to support vulnerable and orphaned children. The foundation is managed by Mrs. Obli and two volunteers.
A New Chapter for Ga West
As the induction approaches, attention will turn to the Chairperson’s priorities and his approach to leading the Presbytery into its next phase. Key issues include strengthening collaboration among congregations, sustaining mission and evangelism, supporting ministerial welfare and ensuring effective stewardship of resources.
The induction service on 11 October will formally usher Rev. David Sowateye Obli into office as the third Chairperson of the Ga West Presbytery. The broader significance of his tenure will depend on how the responsibilities of the office are exercised and how the Presbytery advances its mission.
By: Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
