President John Dramani Mahama has urged churches to put their faith into action by promoting integrity, compassion, responsible citizenship and peace in society.
Speaking at the opening of the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship in Accra on Thursday, October 15, President Mahama said the Church had an important role to play in public life and in supporting vulnerable communities.
The three-day congress is being held in Africa for the first time and has attracted more than 10,000 participants from around the world. It is taking place under the theme, “Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation.”
Before the congress began, the Executive Committee of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship paid a courtesy call on President Mahama to discuss the event.
The delegation was led by the fellowship’s Global Chairman, Rev. Dominic Yeo, alongside the host, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana.
Rev. Wengam said preparations for the gathering had been completed.
“All is set for the World Congress, which is taking place on African soil for the first time in the 115-year history of Assemblies of God worldwide,” he said.
He also praised President Mahama and the government for their support in organising the congress.
The morning conference was originally scheduled to take place at Independence Square. However, Rev. Wengam said technical problems had led organisers to move it to the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, which he described as a more suitable venue.
Rev. Yeo congratulated Ghana on becoming the first African country to host the World Congress. He noted that Ghana had also been the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve political independence.
The Global Chairman thanked President Mahama and the government of Ghana for the range of assistance provided to help ensure the event’s success.
He also praised the President’s “visionary and transformational leadership”, saying it was “reflected in economic stability and massive road development.”
Rev. Yeo encouraged President Mahama to continue representing Christ in politics and to remain firm in his faith.
In his keynote address, President Mahama called on churches to ensure their religious teachings produced practical benefits for society. He highlighted the need for faith communities to contribute to ethical public life, show compassion and help protect people who are vulnerable.
The congress marks the first time the World Assemblies of God Fellowship has held its major gathering in Africa. Its international attendance brings together representatives under a shared mandate focused on reaching every nation.
