“What began as a simple mission in Kumasi has blossomed into a network of faith” I say standing before you here at the Ghana Baptist Convention in Accra. The Ghana Baptist Convention stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. This is the headquarters.
Founded officially in 1963 as the Ghana Baptist Conference, this convention’s roots stretch back to 1927. It began with a Baptist mission from the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Just a year later in 1964, it gained autonomy, embracing the name Ghana Baptist Convention.
Today the Ghana Baptist Convention is a large Baptist Christian denomination in Ghana. It is affiliated with the Baptist World Alliance.
In 2023, the convention reported 1346 churches with nearly 100000 members. These numbers reveal the vast reach and impact of the Ghana Baptist Convention across the nation.
But the Ghana Baptist Convention is more than just numbers. It is about its mission. The Ghana Baptist Convention exists to evangelize. It aims to disciple believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They plant churches and train leaders. They minister to the spiritual and socio-economic needs of people. All this occurs through strong structures and institutions. They achieve their goals in cooperation with relevant bodies.
Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson currently serves as the Executive President. He is a dedicated family man. His educational background is extensive and diverse. Rev. Thompson’s ministry has spanned various roles. He has served at the Messiah Baptist Church for seventeen years.
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku is the Vice-President. Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi is the Director General of Finance and Administration.
The Ghana Baptist Convention consists of 30 Associations across the country. It includes the North American Baptist Association and the Central European Baptist Association. They hold membership in various local and international groups. These include the Baptist World Alliance, the All-African Baptist Fellowship and the Christian Council of Ghana.
The Ghana Baptist Convention established five mission fields. These missions are located in the North-Eastern region and Sefwi. They are also in Nzema, North Volta and Navrongo. These fields have planted 1000 mission churches in the last two decades. The Student Holiday Outreach Programme supports church planting. This program allows students to reach people with the Gospel.
Since 2018, the Shalom Broadcasting Network has spread the Gospel. The Convention is leveraging alternative media platforms to propagate the Gospel.
The Baptist Relief and Development Agency presents the gospel. They focus on education, capacity building and relief services. They have established six Early Childhood Development Centres in deprived communities.
The Ghana Baptist Convention also focuses on health. They founded the Baptist Medical Center in Nalerigu in 1958. It has grown into a major referral facility. The hospital treats over 80000 patients annually. The Convention established the Baptist Health Secretariat to coordinate Baptist health facilities. Today, seven more health facilities have been established by the Ghana Baptist Convention.
The Ghana Baptist Convention has a rich history in education. Kumasi Academy was established in 1957. The Ghana Baptist Theological Seminary began in 1956. The Ghana Baptist University College was launched in 2006.
The Baptist Women’s Retreat Center in Ejura was built in 1960. It serves as a major retreat center for the Convention.
The Ghana Baptist Convention’s journey reflects a commitment to faith. They are devoted to community and service. From its humble beginnings to its current expansive reach, the convention continues to shape lives and communities across Ghana. Its dedication to evangelism, education and healthcare makes it a vital force. It is dedicated to the spiritual and socio-economic well-being of the nation.