How often does a church become a model of unity? That’s precisely the story of the United Church in Accra. This church stands as a testament to faith and collaboration. It began in 1967. Students from Trinity College initiated evangelism efforts. They went house-to-house. Their efforts led to a fellowship. This fellowship blossomed into the United Church.
Initially, gatherings occurred around the University of Ghana Staff Village. Rev. Eugene Grau, the College Principal, played a pivotal role. He granted permission for worship in the College chapel. Rev. De Graft Johnson became the first Minister-In-Charge. He was a lecturer at the College. Members from various sponsoring churches joined the congregation. These churches included Methodist, Presbyterian, Evangelical Presbyterian, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, and the Anglican Diocese of Accra. The United Church became a symbol of church unity. It mirrored the ecumenical spirit of the College.
In 1968, Rev. F.K. Dankwa, another Presbyterian Lecturer, took charge. He firmly established the church’s foundation. For four years, Rev. Dankwa oversaw significant growth. This growth touched both membership and worship quality. Several ministers followed. Rev Peter Barker took over for three months. Then Rev. Sam Prempeh led until 1974. Rev. I. K. A. Thompson, the first African Principal of Trinity College, then became Pastor.
Groups like the Church Choir and Women’s Fellowship emerged. The Men’s Fellowship formed in 1981. By 1978, a Youth Fellowship also existed. Mr Mullen-Essien served as the first Church Steward. He served from 1968 to 1980. A proper Church Council wasn’t yet in place. In September 1979, Rev. Dr A. A. Akrong took over. He called for a Church Council to manage church affairs. By then, the church had grown significantly. Members came from the Staff Village, the University of Ghana campus, and the Legon Community.
The first church constitution appeared in August 1980. A Church Council was established. Mr J. S. Jackson became the Church Steward. Mr F. K. Amfo became the Secretary. The Children’s Service saw rapid growth. It was considered the largest in the District. This was thanks to Dr Esther Megill, Rev. Asamoah-Okyere, and ministerial students.
As the congregation expanded, Rev. Asamoah Okyere became an assistant. Rev. A. A. Akrong left in 1984. Rev. Asamoah-Okyere then became the Minister-In-Charge for a year. Rt. Rev. MaClean Agyiri Kumi followed. Rev. Dr Ofosu Adutwum took over from 1985 to 1989. Rev. Dr R. Aboagye-Mensah then took the role from 1989 to 1994. Rev. Dr J. O. Y. Mante was Minister-In-Charge from 1994 to 1999. All these ministers were lecturers at the Seminary.
In September 1999, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel K. Asante became the Minister-In-Charge. He was the President of the Trinity Theological Seminary. He served for five years. Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, also a lecturer, succeeded him from 2004-2009. Before Rev. Prof. Asante’s term ended, an Associate Minister was appointed. Very Rev. Andrew Mbeah-Baiden took this role in 2004. Rev. Seth Kissi succeeded Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose in 2009. Rev. Dr Kris Ewontomah followed from 2014 to 2019. Rev. Dr Martin Obeng took over in 2019. Very Rev. Dr. John Abedu Quashie took over in September 2024.
Several past Ministers-in-Charge have assumed leadership roles. They led the Presbyterian, Evangelical Presbyterian, and Methodist Churches of Ghana. They include Rev. Dr Sam Prempeh, Rev. Dr Robert Aboagye-Mensah, Rev. Prof. E.K. Asante, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, and Rev. J. O. Y. Mante. The contributions of Assistant Ministers are also noteworthy. They served two-year terms. They included Very Rev. Paul Boafo, Rev. Abamfo Atiemo, and many others.
The Church Steward plays a crucial role. They serve as the lay leader and business manager. They assist the ministers. Past Church Stewards include Mr Mullen Essien, Prof. J. S. Jackson, and others. The current Church Steward is Mr Nii Adokwei Abrahams. The United Church in Accra stands as more than just a building. It represents unity and a vibrant history of faith.