The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) on Saturday opened its first Ecumenical Convention in Accra, renewing calls for stronger unity within the Christian community, and deeper collaboration with the State and improved internal accountability across churches.
The convention, held on the theme “Uniting the Body of Christ for Greater Impact,” brought together denominational leaders, senior clergy and representatives of Local Councils of Churches (LCCs) from across the country.
The Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, delivering a speech on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, conveyed government’s appreciation for the Church’s longstanding contribution to education, healthcare and social welfare, describing faith-based organisations as among the State’s most dependable partners in national development.
He said President Mahama remains committed in cooperation with Christian leaders under the administration’s National Reset Agenda. Outlining the President’s vision for “a united, prosperous and peaceful Ghana,” he cited the importance of strong public institutions, improved learning outcomes, expanded healthcare and inclusive economic growth.
Mr Afriyie-Ankrah called on churches to promote civic responsibility and moral accountability, and to support community interventions that advance national development.
Offering a personal testimony, he acknowledged the Church’s role in addressing mental health challenges, recounting a suicide attempt at age 19. “I am a living testimony,” he said, noting that thousands find emotional healing through worship each week.
He also urged churches to confront internal weaknesses, warning that financial misconduct, exploitation, spiritual manipulation and misleading prophecies “undermine the powerful message of the Gospel.”
On the issue of prophecy, he encouraged Ghanaian prophets to balance caution with hope, adding that signs of economic recovery such as declining inflation and a stabilising cedi should inform positive national declarations.
Also speaking, former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Reverend Dr Paul K Boafo, stressed the biblical mandate for unity. He described the gathering as “a renewal of covenant” and a platform for cross-denominational collaboration in pursuit of social and moral transformation. Rev. Boafo urged participants to strengthen Christian unity from local congregations to the national level.
CCG General Secretary, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, announced plans to honour outstanding local Christian leaders whose contributions often go unrecognised.
Former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by his campaign manager, Mr Fred Oware, reaffirmed support for the convention’s goal of strengthening Christian unity. He said the various denominations form one body despite their differences, adding that Dr Bawumia, though Muslim, “makes no distinction about religious sects” and believes in a shared humanity.