The Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, has called upon all relevant stakeholders to guarantee that the by-election taking place on Tuesday in Akwatia, located in the Eastern Region, is free from violence.
He stated, “The election should mark a significant change from the typical violence that frequently characterizes past by-elections conducted in the nation.”
Consequently, he urged the Electoral Commission, security forces, political parties, and the government to ensure that the results of the forthcoming election are peaceful and free from electoral violence.
Session
Rev. Thompson made this appeal during the 62nd Annual Session of the Ghana Baptist Convention, which took place at the Baptist Women’s Retreat and Resource Centre in Ejura, within the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
During the session, 97 new ministers were ordained to oversee various branches of the church throughout the country.
The four-day event was themed: “The Disciplined Church – Reflecting Christ to the World (Ephesians 5:27).” This session, which serves as the highest decision-making body of the convention, also coincided with the re-election of new leadership for the convention.
Rev. Thompson was re-elected as President, while Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku was chosen as Vice President of the convention.
He emphasized that there should not be a recurrence of the instances of violence that transpired during the recent by-election in Ablekuma North, situated in the Greater Accra Region, asserting that, “As a democratic nation, violence should not be a component of our elections.”
He clarified that the by-election represents merely an opportunity for the populace to select a new Member of Parliament following the death of the sitting MP, adding, “Thus, it should be free from violence to allow the constituents to choose a suitable replacement to represent them in Parliament.”
In light of the passing of the sitting MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Commenting on various national matters, Rev. Thompson voiced his concerns regarding illegal mining and other activities that persistently inflict severe damage on the environment, labeling such actions as both wrongdoing and a sin against God.
He stated that true Christians are meant to be guardians of the earth and caretakers of natural resources; thus, he urged the government, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders to put an end to the harmful impacts of illegal mining on land, forests, and water bodies.
“As a church, we hold the belief that illegal mining, water contamination, and careless waste disposal must be tackled so that we can lead healthy and fulfilling lives in service to God,” he remarked, emphasizing that humanity is expected to responsibly care for God’s creation.
In advising the newly ordained ministers, Rev. Thompson warned them against pursuing personal self-expression within their ministry.
“Your ministry from this moment onward is not a personal self-revelation but should serve as a collective representation of the body of Jesus Christ through the Ghana Baptist Convention,” he emphasized.
He reminded them that even though they have been called by God and equipped for the ministry, they must refrain from distancing themselves from the convention, as some ministers have done in the past.
He urged the new ministers to preach the word both in favorable and unfavorable times for the glory of God, encouraging them to “correct, rebuke, and uplift the congregation with immense patience and careful guidance.”
He further advised them to maintain their composure in all circumstances, endure hardships, and stay focused despite the challenges that come with ministry.
“You must dedicate your soul, spirit, and mind to be resilient, to stand firm in the face of adversities and challenges, and to persist in serving God,” he stated.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. George Solomon Mallet, a former Principal of the Baptist Theological Seminary in Abuakwa, noted a noticeable shift away from the comprehension and appreciation of the word of God.
He remarked that numerous Christians have lost interest in attending programs centered on biblical teachings, showing a greater preference for prophetic events and other types of gatherings.
“The word of God encompasses a wealth of knowledge that, if learned and thoroughly understood, will ultimately benefit all of humanity,” he stated.
In a brief statement on behalf of the newly ordained ministers, Lady Rev. Mabel Koomson expressed her joy that, after enduring a demanding process over the past three years, they had successfully achieved ordination.
“We give glory to God for His guidance and protection,” she remarked.
