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Celebrating Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi – a ‘beacon for justice’

As a child, he was attracted to church activities with the hope of joining the ministry one day. 

And bound with the string of faith, the call became stronger and he was eventually ordained a Pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church in August, 1980. 

As a result of his commitment to Christianity, this man of God has dedicated 40 years of his life to the work of God and has contributed positively towards the growth of the church and other denominations both locally and internationally.

Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, a Ghanaian, is the first African and first non-European to have assumed the position of General Secretary at the World Alliance of Reformed Churches — the umbrella body of all Presbyterian and reformed churches in the world.

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Background 

Rev. Dr. Nyomi hails from Anloga in the Volta Region. He had his General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O’ Level) at Prempeh College, Kumasi, and GCE Advanced Level (A level) at Mawuli School, Ho, where he studied General Arts. 

His theological studies began at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he graduated with BA (Hons) in 1978, and Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, which he completed in 1980. 

He received a Master of Sacred Theology Degree from Yale University Divinity School in 1981 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey in 1991, all in the United States of America (USA).

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Journey

The Theologian speaking to The Spectator about his life and career said he did not begin his divine journey with the aim to serve abroad but as the saying goes that “God works in mysterious ways”, it turned out that his work in Ghana was noticed and appreciated elsewhere.

He noted that his call to the ministry was “strengthened” when he went to Vicksburg, USA, in the 70s for the first time as an exchange student to attend high school.

“That year, lot of things challenged my perception of this world. I saw a different country where there was discrimination. I didn’t experience it personally but I saw it. There was discrimination even by people who were in church,” Rev. Dr Nyomi recalled.

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This debased tradition he encountered abroad set off his ministerial journey to make a difference and also be “a force for justice.”

Leadership

Between 1994 and 1999, Rev. Dr Nyomi was a Senior Executive of the All African Conference of Churches (AACC) which brought most of the protestant denominations in Africa together. 

From April 2000 to August 2014, he became the General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). The organisation has a membership of about 80 million Christians in 108 countries. 

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In 2010 and under his tenure, WARC was changed to World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The mandate of the organisation, he explained, was to unite the churches and speak on their behalf as well.

As the spokesman of the WCRC, Rev. Dr. Nyomi had led delegations to dialogue and help resolve conflict in countries such as Liberia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, DR Congo, Iraq, among other conflict-prone nations and returned to Ghana in 2014 after 14 years of dedicated service.

Currently, he is the District Pastor of the Adenta EP Church in Accra, a Senior Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary and the Council Chair of the Evangelical Presbyterian University College, at Ho.

Prior to his mission abroad, he served at the Dzelokope EP Church in the Volta Region, and the Abeka EP Church also in the Greater Accra Region, among others. 

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Sacrifice

The Reverend Minister intimated that the church was not a profit-making venture and that many people “ran away from ministry because they think of remuneration.” 

He emphasised that the church was a “sacrificial place” and that in spite of the leadership and financial challenges, “God has always provided” for him and his family.

Highlighting other challenges, Rev. Dr Nyomi cited instances where people “decided to be hostile” and attempted to soil his hard-earned reputation because they thought he was interested in some other leadership positions.

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“At the World Communion of Reformed Churches, a few elements had wondered why an African should be their leader. 

“They tried to play their tricks, and I could see their tricks through my divine spectacles, and it was always defeated by God,” he said sarcastically.

Church’s role

Apart from proclaiming the gospel, Rev. Dr Nyomi maintained that the church must speak against social injustice stressing that “if there is oppression” in any part of the world the church should not be silent: “it must speak up.”

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While praising churches that reach out to the poor and needy, he said that the church must as well tackle the fundamental issues on why people were poor in the first place. 

“Ours is not a call to be greedy or teach people to be greedy. We should not glorify greed in the name of God. Ours is to trust God to take care of us and to send us to take care of other people.

“If people are suffering because the economy is bad, we need to be advocates in addressing the government at all levels about what its policies are doing to the people,” he noted and again advised church leaders to desist from centering their preachings on prosperity because “that is not what the gospel should stand for.”

Book       

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Rev. Dr. Nyomi has influenced a good number of theology students through his work. He has done stints of visiting professorship in institutions in Germany and USA and continues to make adequate use of his expertise in other capacities as well.

He would launch his book titled “By God’s Grace – Memoires of Setri Nyomi” at the Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra on Monday, August 17, 2020 to mark his 40th anniversary in the ministry.

At age 66, he loves playing indoor games, singing and enjoying choral music. He is married to Madam Akpene Esther, a Chemist by profession. They have three children. 

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Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer

• Juventus Duorinaah Esq.
• Juventus Duorinaah Esq.

 In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in histo­ry as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.

His journey from a humble back­ground to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create path­ways to success.

For Juventus, the recognition as Gha­na’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.

“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes sur­rounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.

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Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his deter­mined spirit led him to pursue a Bache­lor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.

His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of study­ing without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to tran­scribe lectures.

Juventus’ role model was his profes­sor and mentor, Professor Luke Clem­ent, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.

He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.

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He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.

“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.

Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.

The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was of­ten the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.

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Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind class­mates when necessary.

Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.

The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Depu­ty Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contribu­tions to his journey.

Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juven­tus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.

Professor Atuguba noted that Juven­tus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.

Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOw­usu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.

Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the inter­preters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encoun­tred.

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Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.

He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.

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Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere …A visionary leader who triumphs through adversity

• Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere
• Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere

DR. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, the Member of Parliament-elect for Techiman South Constituency, is a trailblazing leader whose journey to political prominence is as inspir­ing as his contributions to health and education.

A man of resilience, intellect, and service, Dr. Beyere’s story exemplifies the triumph of determination and commit­ment over adversi­ty.

A Multifaceted Leader with Trans­formative Achievements

Dr. Beyere’s professional and aca­demic accomplishments are vast and impactful. He is a PhD holder in Global Health from Queen Margaret Univer­sity, Edinburgh, where his research on motivation policies for Ghanaian health workers reshaped staff devel­opment strategies.

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A man of interdisciplinary expertise, he also holds an MSc in International Health from Brandeis University, an MA in International Human Resource Management from Manchester Met­ropolitan University, and a BSc in In­formation Technology from Methodist University.

His academic journey culminated with an LLB from the University Col­lege of Science, Arts, and Education, the Gambia Law School, Banjul, mak­ing him a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, called to the Bar in November 2024.

Dr. Beyere’s work in the health sec­tor has transformed Ghana’s health­care landscape.

• Dr. Beyere during his call to the Gambia Bar in November, 2024
• Dr. Beyere during his call to the Gambia Bar in November, 2024

As Executive Secretary of the Health Training In­stitutions Secretariat, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including up­grading post-basic programs to degree and master’s levels, introducing male midwifery training, and establishing the “Best Health Tutor Award” to mo­tivate educators.

His efforts also led to the construc­tion of a 75-bedroom guesthouse for principals of nursing training schools, showcasing his dedication to improving infrastructure and capacity for educa­tion.

In his role as Vice President of the University College of Science, Arts, and Education in Sunyani, Dr. Beyere has continued to champion education­al innovation, ensuring that academic and non-academic functions align with the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders.

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The Political Journey: Resilience and Triumph

Dr. Beyere’s political career has been marked by both challenges and victories. In the 2020 parliamentary election, his initial bid to represent Techiman South faced fierce resis­tance.

The election was fraught with controversy, culminating in a narrow defeat to Martin Kwaku Adjei-Men­sah Korsah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who polled 49,682 votes against Dr. Beyere’s 49,205. The results were contested, leading to a protracted court case that added to the emotion­al toll of the loss.

However, Dr. Beyere’s resilience never wavered. With renewed vigor, he returned to the political arena in 2024, determined to serve his peo­ple. This time, he secured a decisive victory, polling 44,986 votes across 282 polling stations, surpassing his perennial opponent, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, who garnered 43,730 votes.

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His triumph was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Techiman South, who recognized his vision and trusted his leadership.

A Leader of Compassion and Vision

Dr. Beyere’s political success is rooted in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. During his time at the Gambia Law School in Banjul, he was beloved by his col­leagues for his humility and sense of camaraderie. These qualities have endeared him to his constituents, who see in him a leader committed to their welfare.

Beyond his political and professional achievements, Dr. Beyere has con­sistently demonstrated a passion for empowering others. His initiatives in education and healthcare, coupled with his international collaborations, underscore his dedication to creating opportunities and driving sustainable development.

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A Future of Hope and Progress

As he takes his place in Parliament, Dr. Beyere is poised to bring transfor­mative leadership to Techiman South. His vision for the constituency includes advancing healthcare, education, and infrastructural development while fostering a sense of unity and purpose among his people.

Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere’s journey—from overcoming electoral challenges to becoming a symbol of hope and progress—is a shining exam­ple of what perseverance and dedica­tion can achieve. With his wealth of experience, both locally and interna­tionally, he stands ready to champion the aspirations of his constituents and contribute to Ghana’s growth.

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