Give us bold leadership and evangelistic growth

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has charged the newly inducted Ga West Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. David Sowateye Obli, to provide bold, visionary and evangelism‑driven leadership as he assumes responsibility for one of the Church’s largest presbyteries.

Delivering his message during the induction service at the Kaneshie Congregation on Sunday, the Moderator reminded Rev. Obli that Ga West is “one of our biggest districts; if not the biggest,” noting its numerical strength, financial capacity and strategic location.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, urging the new Chairperson not to take the size and influence of the Presbytery for granted. The Moderator highlighted Rev. Obli’s over 28 years of ministerial service, describing him as a seasoned evangelist whose zeal for mission has been evident since his days as a student preacher conducting dawn broadcasts in Legon.

He affirmed the church’s confidence in his experience, recalling his effective service throughout the years. He challenged Rev. Obli to lead Ga West in advancing the church’s Agenda 2 Million, insisting that under his tenure the Presbytery must grow by at least 10% annually.

“In the past, if we could not grow anywhere, it was because of a lack of evangelism,” he said. “Now you are the leader. Nobody can stop you. If we do not get the results, it is not because somebody stopped you, but because you failed to give it your best shot.”

The Moderator emphasised that Rev. Obli now occupies the seat where “the buck stops” with him, serving as both the administrative and spiritual head of the Presbytery. He urged him to bring together all the principles, knowledge and experience he has gathered over the years and apply them boldly in shaping the Presbytery’s direction.

Linking his charge to the day’s sermon on the wise and foolish builders, the Moderator reminded Rev. Obli that leadership must be grounded not only in knowing God’s Word but in doing God’s will. “It all depends on how much of God you allow into your service,” he said. “It is in doing God’s will that we can refer to you as a wise builder.”

He assured Rev. Obli of the full support of the General Assembly Council, promising prayer, encouragement and partnership during his tenure. He concluded with a call for spiritual courage: “The Lord has called you at a time like this to be a bold voice that stands out in a nation that needs voices that speak for God. May the Spirit of God grant you a fresh anointing.”

By Jerome Otchere