By Albert Allotey
Accra, Nov. 2, GNA – A graduation ceremony has been held in Accra for 23 students who pursed theology programmes from diploma to Doctor of Theology (Th. D) at the Action Global University (AGU) (Ghana Campus) and Tanakh Bible University College (TBUC).
They were four from the faculty of Doctor of Theology (Th. D), five from the Master of Theology {Th. M), seven from Bachelor of Theology (Th. B), and seven from Diploma of Theology faculty.
The graduation was on the theme, “How to Use Theology to Address Political Governance.”
Bishop Dr Jerry L. Bowers, Chancellor of the AGU in a speech read for him reminded the graduands that they have become part of a global movement to prepare for the return of Christ and the final harvest of souls that will be ready for his return.
“With this graduation, you are being commissioned to be labours in this final harvest,” he stated, adding “I release the mighty Holy Spirit over this graduating class as you go forth to write the final chapter of the Book of Acts for our day.
“Go forth and find your Gate Beautiful and demonstrate the mission of Christ,” he urged
Speaking on the theme, Ambassador Prof Dean Robert Jnr, a High Commissioner and Continental Vice President, United Nations International Peace and Governance Council, United States of America, said there was the need for nations to bring theological principles into political governance for peace to prevail.
He said, “The Bible gives us the foundation for all governance in three words; dignity, stewardship, and justice. The Bible tell us in Genesis 1:27 that every man and woman is made in the image of God. That means no citizen is a statistic.”
He added, “Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Leaders are not owners. We are stewards. Government is a trust,” and that Proverbs 29:14 states that, ‘If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.
He said, “Justice is not optional in governance. It is the very seat of a nation’s throne for sustainable development and human rights” and therefore governments should let theology be their guide in governance.
Dr Isaac Kojo Mensah, the National Director and Chancellor of the TBUC in a welcoming speech expressed happiness for the graduands and urged them not to rest on their laurels.
He said “The certificates that you have received is a ticket to transform the world. What you have received from AGU and TBUC has all it takes to make the much-needed difference the world needs today.”
He added, saying, “The world is looking for answers, and you are the answer God is sending to them. You therefore have a role to play in shaping the future of our world, do play this role with all your abilities and might, and God will certainly help you make a distinct contribution.”
Dr Mensah announced that apart from the university having three satellite campuses at Walewale, Dodowa, Sowutuom-Accra, it had secured another plot of land in Accra for the construction of an ultra-modern educational facility to educate more students in theology for society.
Rev Stephen Amoako, one of the graduates from London sharing his perspective in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said the theme was apt, which could prompt governments to abide by theology in governance to bring harmony in ruling.
He stated that, “Theology is the lens that shows the way to solutions, and that with theological background people stand tall to handle issues that are beyond others, which take them many times to crack.”
He added, “I see heads of state, professors, among other prominent personalities like royals, majesties, and diplomats, going to church to hear and listen to the word of God. Because the more the word gets into them; it prepares, informs, and transforms them to perform well, and Godly character and behaviour reflect in their actions.”
“So, you cannot be a politician, a royal, a majesty, ambassador without you having theology as a base, because without that you would make a lot of errors in your duties, work, operations, and be biased,” he stated.
Rev Amoako pointed out that theology is important to address everything in life saying “Politics is to answer and to attend to the needs of the people wholistically hence the need to have theology to attend to their issues”
Rev Dr Samuel Teye Djaban, on behalf of his colleague graduands expressed gratitude to all who contributed during their studies and graduation, saying, “We thank you for a job well done.
“We have been equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life and accomplish every goal we set for our future.”
The occasion was used to ordained Pastor Ophelia A. Adom while Nana Kofi Adu II, a traditional ruler from Akpafu in the Oti Region received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from TBUC for his contribution to humanity and in leadership.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade