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PCG gets new Clerk of North America, Australia Presbytery
• Rev Kumi-Duodu (left) and Prof Mrs Mabel Asante, First Clerk of the Presbytery, both raised
Rev Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh’s hands to introduce him to the congregation.
The North America and Australia Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana witnessed a new wave in their administration on October 30, 2022. They inducted Rev. Dr. Ransford Awuku-Gyampoh into office as the new Clerk of the Presbytery at a colourful ceremony with the Chairperson of Presbytery, Rev. James Joseph Kumi-Duodu, officiating the Service and assisted by the Council members.
It marked Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh’s assumption as the New Jersey District Minister and the local Minister of Ascension Congregation in Orange in the City of New Jersey.
enjoying live music, catered food, and
assorted beverages at the premiere
The ceremony held at the Ascension Congregation was well attended by some Reverend Ministers and dignitaries from Ghana, Canada, USA and representatives from Australia. In a brief statement to induct Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh, the Chairperson of Presbytery, Rev. Kumi-Duodu admonished the inductee to strive to win more souls into God’s Kingdom.
He emphasised that as the Presbytery’s spokesperson, the Presbyterian Church’s growth should be of paramount interest to him.
In his acceptance speech, Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh expressed gratitude to God, the Church leadership and the entire church for their unwavering support. He further declared his readiness to work hard to make the Presbyterian Church a place for all to worship and help to restore hope in the lives of those who have nowhere to turn to for their salvation.
Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh was elected at the 8th Presbytery Session held in Virginia, USA, and won with a 70 per cent vote. As the Clerk of Presbytery, Article 22, Clauses 9, 11-13 of the PCG Constitution stipulate that he shall hold the office for four years. His duties include but are not limited to presenting annual reports, recording and distributing all information/ communicating decisions, carrying out directives, be in charge of all official documents. He shall liaise with political administration and the traditional authorities within Canada, USA and Australia.
Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh holds a PhD in Practical Theology and other terminal degrees in Management. He has two Master’s degrees: MSc from the University of Cape Coast and MPA from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He completed his bachelor’s degree from Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon. Before that, he had completed his 3-year Post Secondary at the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong-Akuapem (Formerly P.T.C). Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh wouldn’t forget that he was a product of Nsawam Secondary School.
In a felicitation, the Council Vice President, North Ward, Orange City, Miss Tency A. Eason, who represented the Mayor of Orange, New Jersey, thanked Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh for his vision and aspiration of his new office.
She promised to collaborate with Rev. Dr. Awuku-Gyampoh to propagate God’s Kingdom in the residents’ homes. The historic service ended with praise to God in a peaceful atmosphere.
From Francis Kwabena Twum, New Jersey, USA
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High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana pays courtesy call on Minister of Health
The High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Byone-Sutherland, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to discuss key issues in the health sector.
During the meeting, Mr.Akandoh highlighted the need for increased funding to ensure the effective implementation of healthcare processes.
To address the challenges faced by health workers in rural areas, the Minister mentioned a proposed package of incentives, including an additional 20% of their basic salaries, quicker promotions, and scholarships for further training.
He also emphasised the importance of providing steady leave with pay to encourage health workers to remain in these areas.
Mr.Akandoh stressed the need for six additional hospitals to cater to the new regions created in Ghana. He also discussed plans to upgrade regional and teaching hospitals to attract more skilled health workers.
In response, High Commissioner Byone-Sutherland expressed her appreciation for the Minister and the government’s efforts to improve the health sector.
She also suggested that nurses from Barbados could benefit from health training programmes in Ghana, gaining practical experience in the field.
This courtesy call highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing between countries to improve healthcare outcomes.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to addressing the challenges faced by health workers and ensuring that Ghanaians receive quality healthcare services.
News
VP Opoku-Agyemang chairs Armed Forces Council
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is chair of the newly appointed Armed Forces Council.
Established under Article 211 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the Ghana Armed Forces remain effective, modern, and disciplined.
In his address to the Council members, President Mahama emphasised their critical role in the military’s governance and administration.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to modernising the Armed Forces to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to climate-related challenges.
“The responsibility placed on your shoulders as a Council is one of great national importance,” President Mahama stated.
He added that “The strength of our Armed Forces depends not only on the bravery of the men and women in uniform but also on the leadership policies and decisions that guide them.”
The president’s key priorities include capacity-building programs to enhance personnel skills, investment in modern military technology and equipment, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved welfare and support systems for military personnel and their families.
President Mahama also highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, urging the Council to embrace innovation and data-driven security solutions in developing the nation’s defence strategy.
The President emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international allies to address global security threats.
The President called on the Council to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within the Armed Forces, stressing that corruption and misconduct have no place in the military.
He expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Armed Forces Council for their dedicated service. He congratulated the newly sworn-in members, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with honour, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ghana.
