Rev. Ransford Obeng
PRESIDENT JOHN Mahama has highly exalted faith-based organisations in the country, notably churches, for their significant contributions to national development.
He recounted that churches, over the years, have played crucial roles in helping to positively shape the lives of the citizenry, thereby leading to social cohesion and growth.
In this regard, President Mahama has pledged that his administration would continue to partner with churches in order to accelerate the developmental agenda of the country.
“Nations are not built on infrastructure alone, peace, unity, social cohesion, humility and oneness are also needed to ensure development, and that’s where the churches come in.
“The important roles of the churches has contributed to ensuring peace, unity and national cohesion, just to mention a few, and we must applaud them,” the President remarked.
He made this known in a speech read on his behalf by Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah at the Calvary Charismatic Center (CCC) at Ayigya in Kumasi.
The occasion was the 70th birthday celebration of the Head Pastor of CCC, Rev. Ransford Obeng, which was graced by government officials, politicians, and pastors among others.
Continuing, the President commended Rev. Obeng for his humility, vision and dedication to God’s work for so many years, and urged the people to draw inspiration from his life.
“Today is not just a 70 years celebration. It’s a celebration of a national icon and we should draw inspiration from his humility, dedication, hard work and vision,” he admonished.
The mammoth church service was graced by politicians such as Alan Kyerematen, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, Kumasi Mayor.
Janet Abobigu, CEO of Unijay Fashion, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and others were also present at the event.
Preaching the sermon, Rev. Obeng recounted the difficulties he had to endure in the early years of his life and ministry, and how God has remained faithful and helpful to him.
According to him, every man has a special assignment to fulfil in life, stressing that “When you know your assignment, you become bold and you don’t allow anything to deter you.”
Rev. Obeng entreated the congregation to emulate his down-to-earth lifestyle, humbleness, vision and dedication, so that they would also fulfil their assignments as ordained by God.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi