By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Ho, April 06, GNA – The mortal remains of the late Very Rev. Japhet Ledo, a former Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) was Saturday interred.
The interment, attended by numerous mourners, was preceded by a burial service at the Dela Cathedral of the Church at Ho Kpodzi.
The Very Rev. Ledo, the tenth Moderator of the EPCG, died at a private facility in Ho on 30th December 2024 at 84 years.
He was born on 27th December 1940 into the Royal family at Klefe in the Ho Municipality. From a humble beginning as a labourer, through shop attendant and carpenter, the Very Reverend Ledo, with determination and resilience, rose to become the Moderator of the EPCG.
He was ordained as a Minister of the Church on 8th August 1976 after completing the Trinity Theological Seminary.
He held various positions until he was elected as the tenth Moderator of the Church and inducted into office in January 1993 and served for two terms until 2000.
The late Very Rev. Ledo, who was also an educationist taught in many schools and rose to the rank of Assistant Director and retired in 2000.
In a tribute, his children described him as someone who wholeheartedly dedicated his life to serving others, adding that, he was a good man who lived with integrity, guided by principles that shaped the lives of all who were fortunate enough to meet him.
His love, they eulogised, was deep and unwavering, serving as the cornerstone – an anchor in both joyful and challenging times.
They noted that their father worked tirelessly not for recognition, but to provide, nurture and ensure that those he cherished could dream bigger and live fuller lives.
“He taught us the value of perseverance, kindness and the importance of giving ourselves fully to every endeavour.
“He was born a hero and died a legend in the Lord,” they stated.
In her tribute, Mrs. Esther Ledo, the widow said the depth of connection between her husband and her was one built on love, understanding and unshaken companionship, adding, “the bond was so close that people saw us as inseparable, often mistaking us for twins.”
She stated that his determination and resilience not only guided her but also transformed the lives of their children, teaching them to face challenges with strength and purpose.
The EPCG in a tribute described him as a reservoir of knowledge, a mentor of many young pastors and a great asset to the Church.
“The world of the EPCG and the nation as a whole seems darker because a flame that shone brightly had been taken off by Mother Nature, an unsung and unassuming hero, who impacted many lives had fallen,” the Church said.
They Church said, “we lost a counsellor, mentor, motivator, pundit, hero and an eminent Senior citizen and the vacuum created by his departure will take time to be filled.”
The Mediators Consult founded by the late Very Rev. Ledo comprising eminent and seasoned Ministers of the Gospel and astute professionals to resolve conflicts between feuding parties, in their tribute said the late Very Rev. Ledo, who was their Chairman was a man of unbiased judgement and very straightforward and his leadership maxim was everybody matters.
The Bremen Mission in their tribute noted that the late Very Rev Ledo’s unwavering commitment to the Mission’s was par excellent adding that he understood the importance of love, compassion and service to humanity.
The Klefe Traditional Council described him as a gem, resourceful and always at the service of his community.
Right. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bliss Divine Agbeko, Moderator of the Church in a sermon stated that every Christian should strive to impact positively on others and society at large.
He noted that Christians were not exempted from sufferings and challenges but encouraged them to center their lives around God to enable them to lead purpose driven lives.
The Moderator called on them to strengthen the Kingdom of God not only through their words but by their deeds as well.
He extolled the virtues of the late Very Rev Ledo and called on all to emulate his selfless service both to God and humanity.
Present were Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, heads of sister Churches from Ghana, Togo and the Diaspora, Chiefs from the Asogli State, Klefe Traditional Area and from other parts of the country.
GNA
MA/BM