By Rahama Nasara Yakubu
Tamale, Nov. 3, GNA – The Anglican Men’s Fellowship has held its 7th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference to take stock of its activities over the past four years and elect new executive to steer its affairs for the next four years.
The four-day conference, which ended in Tamale over the weekend, was on the theme: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”.
Most Reverend Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana and Diocesan Bishop of Mampong, speaking during the conference, described it as a pivotal moment for the Anglican Church to strengthen unity and renew its commitment to service.
Most Reverend Dr Ben-Smith urged members of the Men’s Fellowship to focus their deliberations on church leadership and youth engagement, emphasising the importance of fathers’ active presence in their families.
He said “In some places, when you find children going wayward, it is because the father is irresponsible or absent in their lives. Unfortunately, some men neglect their responsibilities, and this must change.”
He encouraged members to bring their families and friends to church in keeping with the biblical call to service and redemption reflected in the conference theme.
Most Reverend Dr Ben-Smith commended Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, for advocating for the teaching of morality and discipline in schools emphasising that as men, members of the Fellowship must uphold such values.
He said discussions were ongoing towards the establishment of an Archbishop Act by 2030, which would further enhance the governance of the church.
Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, commended the Anglican Church for its contributions to the country’s development, especially in the areas of education, health and social welfare.
He further commended the Men’s Fellowship for nurturing moral discipline, family unity and community development, saying their spiritual guidance and social involvement were helping shape responsible fathers, honest leaders and compassionate citizens.
He emphasised that “Ghana needs men like you. Men, who serve not for recognition but for transformation. True leadership is not about titles; it is about touching lives. When we serve with humility and integrity, we not only fulfil our duties to the nation but also to God Himself.”
Mr John urged participants to look beyond personal gain and political advantage in their service, calling on all citizens and leaders to protect the environment, uphold peace and safeguard the moral fabric of society.
He also raised concern about the growing menace of drug abuse amongst the youth and entreated members to guide young people towards discipline, integrity and productive lifestyles.
Meanwhile, the conference elected Worthy Brother (W/Bro) Kenneth Oscar Ghartey from the Accra Diocesan Council as National President of the Anglican Men’s Fellowship.
Other National Executive Officers elected were W/Bro Cedrick Nana Deeku from the Sekondi Diocesan Council as National Vice President, W/Bro Emmanuel Tia from the Tamale Diocesan Council as National General Secretary, W/Bro Jerry Aikins from the Tema Diocesan Council as Deputy National General Secretary and W/Bro Francis Amponsah Aikins from the Kumasi Diocesan Council as National Treasurer.
The rest were W/Bro Ernock Nii Armah from the Accra Diocesan Council as National Financial Secretary, W/Bro Asante Sarfo from the Sunyani Diocesan Council as National Organizer, W/Bro Maxwell Zong from the Tamale Diocesan Council as Assistant National Organizer (for Northern Sector), W/Bro Desmond Odartey-Lamptey from the Sekondi Diocesan Council as Assistant National Organizer (for Southen Sector) and W/Bro Andrew Gyan from the Kumasi Diocesan Council as National Chaplain.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Christian Akorlie