Gilbert Banquo Kwame Owusu
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Faith Congregation, Madina Estate, on Sunday, December 16, 2018, honoured veteran journalist and the first Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the PCG, Gilbert Banquo Kwame Owusu, affectionately called GBK Owusu.
In his honour, the church has christened the newly constructed Junior Youth Auditorium “GBK Owusu Auditorium” in recognition of Mr. Owusu’s selfless and invaluable contributions to the growth of the congregation.
Mr. Owusu, a founding member of the Private Newspapers Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), became its first President from 1992 to 1993.
He was a former editor of the Christian Messenger in Ghana for 34 years and practised in Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria.
He was credited for putting the church on the world map as the Director of the Ecumenical and Social Relations of the church and also the Chairman of the Publicity Committee.
A surveyor, also of the church, Samuel Ofori Offei, has also had the newly Faith Presby Basic School Block named after him for his immense contributions towards the church since its formation 25 years ago.
Mr. Offei has been a senior Presbyter for the church for over 30 years and has also served in various capacities of the church. For example, he was the chairman of the Madina District Projects and Investments Committee.
Speaking at the ceremony on the theme ”Rejoice in the Lord,” Evangelist Dr. Aboah Offei urged Christians to cultivate the habit of fully giving out their talents in doing the work of God.
According to him, giving unconditionally strengthens one’s faith in the Lord and that giving is also an investment in eternity.
The minister in charge of the Faith Congregation PCG, Rev. Roy Asiamah, handed the Keys of Authority to GBK and Mr. Offei.
Mr. Owusu expressed their appreciation to the church referencing 1 Corinthians 15: 10 and indicated that not in their wildest dream did they anticipate being honoured.
The veteran journalist called for the teaching of Presbyterian discipline and morals in Presbyterian Schools as was done in the olden days. He also suggested for a day in the church called “Zaccheus Day” where the church will invite, worship and feast with backsliders, the vulnerable, outcasts and non-Christians.
A former Moderator of the PCG, Very Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, prayed for them, asking God to bless them in all their endeavours.
The ceremony also saw the induction of the headmistress of Faith Presby Basic School, Doris Sarpe Dotey, by Rev. Roy Asiamah.
Present at the ceremony were the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Affail Monney; Mankralo of Pokuase, Nii Nkwantabisa; Chief Director of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Edward Offei Annor and the PRO of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Mohammed Affum.
The others were a former minister of the PCG, Rev. C. B. Ahwireng, veteran journalists, George Adjei, K. K. Darko, former News Editor of the Daily Graphic, K. Adu of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), a renowned engineer, Seth Ankrah and a lecturer of the Accra Technical University, Dr. Obiri Yeboah.