Blue Cross Ghana has been urged to preserve the strong Christian foundation upon which the organisation was built while embracing modern methods, technology and youth involvement to confront the rising challenge of substance abuse in Ghana.
The call was made at the official opening of the Blue Cross Ghana National Conference at Aburi in the Akuapem Presbytery, an event that also marked the organisation’s 120th anniversary in Ghana.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Moderator, the Chairperson of the Akuapem Presbytery and Acting Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Ebenezer Asiedu Acheampong, said the 120‑year milestone should not only be a moment of celebration but also one of reflection, renewal and preparation for the future. He encouraged members to honour the sacrifices of their forebears while envisioning what the organisation must become in the next decade.
He noted that the pioneers of the Blue Cross laid a solid foundation characterised by discipline, commitment and punctuality — values that must not be lost as the organisation transitions into a new generation. Their dedication, he said, created a platform upon which successive generations continue to build.
‘The Foundation is Jesus Christ’
Rev. Acheampong emphasised that the most important foundation of the Blue Cross is Jesus Christ. “The Blue Cross is an organisation that stands on Jesus Christ,” he stressed, adding that its continued relevance must remain anchored in Christ. He challenged members to ensure that everything they do — individually and collectively — remains firmly rooted in the Christian faith.
He said the anniversary should inspire members to renew their commitment to the Lord and work towards making the Blue Cross vibrant across Presbyteries, Districts and Congregations of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
Modernise the Message, not the Mission
While calling for the preservation of the organisation’s core message, Rev. Acheampong urged the Blue Cross to modernise the way it reaches its audiences. He called for strategic use of social media and artificial intelligence to expand the organisation’s reach, especially among young people, without compromising its values.
He further encouraged intentional mentorship of young people and their direct involvement in Blue Cross activities. Members, he said, must set aside personal interests, resolve differences promptly and work together to advance the mission. Passing the torch to the next generation, he added, is a responsibility that cannot be postponed.
Substance Abuse: Threat to national development
The National President of Blue Cross Ghana, Rev. Daniel Amoako Nyarko, drew attention to the growing threat posed by substance abuse. He described the 120‑year milestone as a testimony to perseverance, dedication and hard work.
He said substance abuse has become a major public health, socio‑economic and spiritual concern, with consequences felt in families and educational institutions. Addiction, he noted, is tearing families apart and destroying the aspirations of young people.
Rev. Nyarko stressed that Blue Cross Ghana cannot remain silent in the face of these challenges. Over the years, the organisation has educated communities and partnered with various groups to build resilient individuals capable of resisting addiction and related pressures.
Church Must Remain Source of Hope
The General Secretary of Blue Cross Ghana, Rev. Patrick Adjei Acheampong, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against substance abuse. He urged partners to sustain and deepen existing relationships and challenged the Church to remain a source of hope for people battling substance‑related difficulties.
NACOC: Prevention, Advocacy, Rehabilitation
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) reinforced the call for stronger action. Representing the Director‑General, the Acting Director of Drug Demand Reduction, PNCO Ernestina Adjei Mensah, identified three critical areas: prevention, advocacy and rehabilitation.
She called for the establishment of drug‑free clubs in schools to reach young people early and urged stronger advocacy against the stigmatisation of people who use drugs. Rehabilitation and recovery programmes, she said, must receive greater attention, with centres encouraged across Presbyteries. She disclosed that NACOC is working to strengthen interventions and provided its toll‑free number, 0800 307 307, for reporting, counselling and enquiries.
‘Change the Mindset’
The Municipal Chief Executive of Akuapem South, Hon. Paul Osae Offei, welcomed delegates and challenged the Blue Cross to intensify efforts to change public attitudes and mindsets concerning substance abuse. He noted that society cannot always predict what substance or behaviour may become the next object of abuse, making continuous education essential. He pledged his support for the Blue Cross’ fundraising activities scheduled for Sunday, 27th September 2026.
From Foundation to Future
The opening ceremony, which began with prayer led by Rev. Daniel Ofori Appiah, also featured a welcome address by the Aburi District Minister, Rev. Kwaku Kyeremeh Yeboah. The Aburi District demonstrated its support by providing financial assistance toward the anniversary celebration.
Several dignitaries attended, including the Akuapem Presbytery Chairperson, the National President and General Secretary of Blue Cross Ghana, representatives of NACOC, the Mission and Evangelism Directorate, the Presbytery’s PWCE and the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly. The General Secretary highlighted the organisation’s self‑help and life‑skills programmes and introduced service users who have benefited from its interventions.
As Blue Cross Ghana marks 120 years, the message from Aburi was clear: honour the heritage without becoming trapped in the past; preserve the foundation while embracing new methods; and pass the baton to a younger generation equipped to confront the changing face of substance abuse.
The next chapter, the conference heard, must combine faith, discipline, innovation, advocacy, rehabilitation, youth involvement and technology — all while keeping Jesus Christ at the centre of its mission.
Story by Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
