Mahama congratulates Wengam on second term as Assemblies of God Leader

By Iddi Yire, GNA 

Accra, Nov. 07, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated Reverend Dr Stephen Yenusom Wengam, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, on his inauguration for a second four-year term as leader of the Church. 

He commended Rev Dr Wengam for his transformational leadership during his first term, particularly through the implementation of the Church’s Transformation Agenda. 

President Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama are both members of the Assemblies of God, Ghana. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Rev Dr Wengam and members of the Executive Presbytery of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, in Accra, President Mahama said the General Superintendent’s re-election was a strong endorsement of his leadership by the Church. 

“You have earned that confidence through years of ministry, relationships that have been built across congregations, and work undertaking with your colleagues. Over the past four years, we have planted over 2,000 churches, and trained more than 440 pastors,” he said. 

He noted that during Rev Dr Wengam’s first term, the Church had planted more than 2,000 congregations and trained over 440 pastors. 

According to President Mahama, those achievements reflected the commitment of ministers, congregations, and communities that embraced new missions and ministry opportunities. 

He said a second term presented Rev Dr Wengam with a unique opportunity to consolidate gains made during the first tenure. 

“A second term is a time to deepen worthwhile reforms and ensure that progress reaches the local congregations, including the small assemblies far from the national headquarters. 

“The confidence shown in your re-election also entails a renewed obligation to listen. May those who work closely with you feel free to offer honest advice and counsel.” 

President Mahama said the inauguration theme, “The Transformation Agenda Continues”, anchored on the Six Rs: Reach, Rebuild, Restore, Reform, Reposition and Rebrand, challenged the Church to continue building with patience and purpose. 

He noted that while ministry is often celebrated from the pulpit, much of the work takes place quietly through missionary journeys, counselling, visitation of the sick, and service in communities with limited resources. 

The President, therefore, stressed the need to protect the welfare of pastors and their families, including those in retirement. 

“I salute my wife, First Lady Lordina Mahama, and her Lordina Foundation for the health screening ministry that they undertake every three months with retired pastors,” he said. 

“Their health screening, counseling, and medication have been a critical lifeline for many of our aged pastors.” 

President Mahama said sound administrative systems, transparent procedures, responsible financial management and leadership succession were critical to sustaining institutions and fulfilling their mission across generations. 

He observed that a leader’s greatest legacy was reflected in the people he equipped to continue the work. 

The President also commended Rev Dr Wengam for enhancing the public image of the Church. 

“And I can speak confidently, Assemblies of God Ghana has become one of the most popular and most favoured Pentecostal denominations in Ghana,” the President said. 

“And so, as you continue your work of repositioning and rebranding the church, may the experience of those who enter its doors give meaning to its public image.” 

 President Mahama prayed that all who entered Assemblies of God congregations would encounter a welcoming community, sound biblical teaching, and support during difficult times. 

He described the history of Assemblies of God, Ghana as a remarkable story of faith and perseverance. 

Tracing its origins to Yendi in 1931, he said the Church had expanded nationwide through the efforts of missionaries, Ghanaian ministers and dedicated congregations. 

The President noted that the Church would celebrate its centenary in 2031 and expressed confidence that the proposed Centenary Village project would be completed before then. 

“We shall build it to the glory of God. We honour all former generals, lieutenants, and all those whose service laid the foundation upon which today’s leadership is building,” he said. 

He reiterated that institutions endure when each generation receives its inheritance with gratitude and builds upon it responsibly. 

Reverend Dominic Yeo, Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship and General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Singapore, who delivered the homily and conducted the inauguration ceremony, charged Rev Dr Wengam and the newly inaugurated Executive Presbytery to remain committed to advancing God’s Kingdom through the ministry of Assemblies of God, Ghana. 

In his inaugural address, Rev Dr Wengam pledged to accelerate the implementation of the Church’s Transformation Agenda, which is built around the Six Rs: Reach, Rebuild, Restore, Reform, Reposition and Rebrand. 

Other members of the Executive Presbytery inaugurated alongside Rev Dr Wengam were Rev Kwadwo Boateng Bempeh, Assistant General Superintendent; Rev Albert Anane, General Secretary; and Rev Dr Simon Abu Baba, General Treasurer. 

GNA 

Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah