Twelve Apostolic Church

Who first brought the vibrant gospel rhythms to Ghana’s shores? Here, at the Twelve Apostolic Church in Kumasi, echoes of that very question resonate within these walls. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Prophet William Wade Harris, the Liberian Grebo preacher who ignited a spiritual fire across West Africa in the early 20th century. The Twelve Apostolic Church, sometimes called the “Church of William Harris and his Twelve Apostles”, stands as a living monument to his influence. Harris’s arrival in Axim and the Apollonia districts sparked a religious awakening. Two of his earliest converts, Grace Tani and John Nackabar, laid the foundation for what would become the Twelve Apostolic Church. The church carries a rich history, intertwined with the lives of those who nurtured it. John Nackabar, the church’s co-founder and administrative leader, lent his name to the church’s nickname, “Nackabah”. While Grace Tani, known for her charismatic healing and divination, played a crucial role, Nackabar’s influence as the de facto leader solidified the church’s presence. Even after his passing, the nickname stuck, a reminder of the church’s humble beginnings. The Twelve Apostolic Church’s practices are a unique blend of traditional African spirituality and Christian faith. The gourd-rattle, a traditional African instrument, is used in services, believed to chase away demons and facilitate healing. The Bible, while not frequently read, plays a symbolic role in healing rituals. Placed upon the heads of patients or used to rub the abdomen of barren women, it signifies the church’s reverence for scripture. The legacy of the Twelve Apostolic Church continues to evolve. Despite leadership transitions and challenges, the core beliefs and practices remain, a testament to the spiritual fervor ignited by Prophet Harris generations ago.