The leadership of the church in front of the dedicated chapel
The Methodist Church of Ghana has announced plans to embark on a massive expansion drive in the Oti Region and parts of the Volta Region.
The programme, which has been endorsed by the hierarchy of the Church and its pilot is already bearing fruit, is expected to be launched together with the Ho Diocese next year. The Ho Diocese which will be carved out of the Tema Dioceses will increase the number of Diocese of the Church to 22, including the North America Diocese.
This was announced by the Presiding Bishop of the Church, Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo when he dedicated the newly built chapel of the Nkonya-Ntumda Society. Other worship materials and fixtures like an altar, lectern, pulpit, communion rail, musical instruments, hymnals, and Bibles were also dedicated.
The 100 seater edifice which also has a Sunday School (Children’s Church) shed, washrooms, portable water, and a water tank was funded by Brother Alfred Sakyi, Tema Diocesan Lay Chairman, and a retired Banker at the cost of GH¢350,000.00.
This brings to two, the number of societies in the Oti Region that have their Church Buildings (Chapel). The rest are worshiping in private properties, sheds, community spaces among others. Dambai, the regional capital, was the first to have its church building a year ago.
The Presiding Bishop who was optimistic about the new expansion drive noted that the yet-to-be-launched Ho Diocese will oversee all the circuits and societies in the Volta and Oti Region and facilitate the expansion drive in the Oti Region. Under the programme, the Church hopes to increase the Societies in the Oti region from 20 to 50 by 2024.
Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo said plans are far advanced to dedicate other church buildings within the year so that “our people will not be worshiping under trees or classrooms. We want to give them a permanent place of worship.”
He said, as a practice of the church that believes in the total wellbeing of the society, the expansion drive will also see social interventions in the area of health, education, water, and sanitation among others; being undertaken in the region.
It is no wonder a water project was attached to the Nkonya-Ntumda Church project for the use of both church members and the community. This little gesture will curb water-borne diseases, he observed.
Furthermore, a team will be deployed to undertake feasibility studies for schools and a clinic very soon.
Very Reverend Emmanuel Kwame Awuley, the Superintendent Minister of Hohoe Circuit of Methodist Church Ghana described the edifice as timely as the government has banned the use of classrooms for church services due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brother Alfred Sakyi it was his family’s way of showing appreciation to God for His care, support, and sustenance; which he described as priceless. He hopes to help build an entrepreneurship fund dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs of the Church.
Madam Millicent Carboo, Biakoye District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the Church and the benefactor for the project and assured them of the government’s collaboration to undertake the many social intervention projects outlined by the Church.
Nanai Kwadwo Okropah V, Adontenhene of Nkonya Ntumda narrated that from time immemorial, the presence of the Church signified development and new beginnings. To this end, he pledged the support of the traditional authority in undertaking all viable projects in the area.
From Fred Duodu, Nkonya (k.duodu@yahoo.com)