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THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hid.  Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck-measure but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praise worthy, noble and good deed, and recognize and honour and praise and glorify you Father who is in heaven” – Matthew 5:14-16.

INTRODUCTION

It may be well said that this is the greatest compliment that was ever paid to the individual Christian, for in it Jesus commands the Christian to be what He himself claimed to be. Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” – John 9:5. When Jesus commanded His followers to be the lights of the world, He demanded nothing less than that they should be like Himself.

We must shine with the reflection of His light. The radiance which shines from the Christian comes from the presence of Christ within the Christian’s heart. We often speak about a radiant bride, but the radiance which shines from her comes from the love which has been born with her heart.

When Jesus said the Christian must be the light of the world, what did He mean?

  1. A light is first and foremost something which is meant to be seen. So, then, Christianity is something which is meant to be seen. As someone has well said, “There can be no such thing as secret discipleship, for either the secrecy destroys the discipleship, or the discipleship destroys the secrecy.” A man’s secrecy should be perfectly visible to all men. Further this Christianity should not be visible only within the Church, it should even be more visible in the ordinary activities of the world.

Our Christianity should be visible in the way we treat a shop attendant over the counter, in the way we treat our employees or serve our employer, in the way we treat motorists on the road, in the daily language we use etc. Jesus did not say, “You are the light of the Church”; He said, “You are the light of the world,” and in a man’s life in the world His Christianity should be evident to all.

  1. A light is a guide. On the estuary of any river we may see the line of the lights which marks the channel for the ships to sail in safety. We know how difficult it is to drive when there are no street lights. A light is something to make clear the way. So then as Christians we must make the way clear to others. One of the things which this world needs more than anything else is people who are prepared to be foci of goodness.

There are many people in this world who have not the moral strength and courage to take a stand by themselves, but if someone gives them a lead, they will follow, if they have someone strong enough to lean on, they will do the right thing.

  • A light can often be a warning light. A light is often the warning which tells us to halt when there is danger ahead. It is sometimes our duty to bring to our fellow believer the necessary warning. If our warnings are given, not in anger, not in irritation, not in criticism, not in condemnation, not in the desire to hurt, but in love, they will be effective. The light which can be seen, the light which warns, the light which guides, these are the lights which the Christian must be.

ARE WE STILL A LIGHT TO THE WORLD

If we are not living as light of the world then, there could be at least four reasons for the breakdown:

  1. Lack of Doctrinal Clarity or Authority

The light of Christ was intended to illumine the truth about God – John 7:16-18; 8:3-32, but if we ourselves are still in the dark about what we believe, how can we then persuade others to believe.  We cannot give what we ourselves do not have.

 

  1. Moral or Ethical Compromise

It is impossible to sustain a credible message about a pure and holy life if we ourselves are living in moral darkness – 1 John 1:5-6.  God wants us to live a lifestyle that is morally attractive to unbelievers – Matt. 5:14-16; Titus 2:9-10.

 

  1. Disunity or a Lack of Love for Other Believers

Perhaps nothing undermines the mission of the church more than internal conflict.  The world would never believe in Christ’s message of love if His followers are at war with each other.  Jesus was fully aware of this when He prayed for the unity of His people “I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are. I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me”- John 17:22-23 (NLT).

 

  1. A Lost Passion for Evangelism and Mission

The task of bringing the message of God’s salvation is still unfinished.  We should not be satisfied that the mission has basically been completed, or that someone else will do it, or that the message has become irrelevant.  If we do that then the light of Christ will go no further.  Never forget that someone brought Christ into the midst of your own spiritual darkness.  Is there any credible reason why you should not introduce someone else to His grace?

Conclusion

When Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” that wasn’t the whole sentence. He went on to give the reason why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. There’s a fine line between being a light and putting on a show to get attention. It’s a matter of the heart.

We are the Light of the world. We should let our light shine!

Remain Blessed!

Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymns and their Stories.

Ayawaso West Wuogon MP donates 200 dual desks to schools in Savannah Region

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The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has donated 200 dual desks to schools in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.

Lydia Alhassan, who hails from Mpaha in the District, made the donation to improve the quality of education in the area.

At a ceremony to hand over the furniture, the Ayawaso West Wuogon Nasara Coordinator of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Nasiru-Deen, who made the presentation on behalf of the MP, said it was done in fulfillment of an early promise she made during her visit to schools at Mpaha in Central Gonja four months ago.

“Hon Seyram was here, and she saw the condition of our children in their various classrooms. This pushed her to provide these dual desks to the schools. So she asked me to present to you 200 dual desks to share among the students.

Eighty of the desks will go to Kpabusu, and one hundred and twenty will stay here. So, I happily present them to you.”

On her part, the District Director of Education for the Central Gonja District, Madam Veronica Tampur, commended the Member of Parliament for the kind gesture and assured her of it being put to good use:

“We have a lot of challenges with future. The Assembly has given some, but it is not always enough, and so through the efforts of our head teachers, particularly Mr. Hayford, applying to our MP, and she also being a very kindhearted mother and a very good mother and sister, seeing the situation of our children, also came to our assistance, even though she is not an MP in Savannah, but in Greater Accra Ayawaso Wuogon.

“We promise that these furniture she has given us will be put to good use. We are going to make sure we will maintain it when there is something small wrong.”

Madam Veronica further appealed to individuals and benevolent organisations to come to their aid with desks to curb the insufficient furniture challenge in the district.

In all, 120 dual desks will be distributed to the Mpaha Cluster of Schools, while 80 would also be given to the Kpabusu Cluster of Schools.

The short ceremony was attended by a representative of the Chief of the area, the Assembly Member, teachers and pupils of some selected schools among others.

From Elijah Beyeni

ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? NOT SO CONTINUES

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Pastor David Leroy Matthews -Sozo Ministries, Ohio

There are those who are bound up in sexual perversion and try to brake free from the Spirit of Perverseness by going to church and sometimes getting married to a woman who is a member of some church. Such was the case in the church that I grew up in, twenty-five years of my life.

There was much preaching on living a holy life. Going to church does not make anyone delivered from sin, from any sin. And some churches are dead churches.

Revelation 3:14-22 “And to the [a]angel of the church [b]of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [c] cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[d]

Therefore be [e] zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”I was invited to a gospel meeting, three times and each time a different speaker.

Each time, all three preached that, if you were really sick, its best that you go ahead and die, then go to heaven. John 3:10-1810 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man [a]who is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should [b]not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. No man, no woman, John wrote this after Yahshua ascended to heaven, the popular misunderstanding is that, there is a great cloud of witness looking down on us.

I was in a church and one of the brothers was saying that, the cloud of witnesses were looking down on us and cheering us on. Now how many of you have sinned after you were born again? Do you think that cloud of witness would be cheering you on in your sin?“Grieve not the Holy (sinless) Spirit of God ‘YAHWEH’ whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption

Ephesians 4:8-328.

Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts toy men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also [a]first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [b]edifying of the body of Christ,

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The New Man

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as [c]the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Do Not Grieve the Spirit 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give [d] place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary [e] edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, [f] clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. So when you are in sin, you are (grieving) the sinless Spirit within you.

You can sin in thought Matthew 5:27 and 28 “You have heard that it was said [a] to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. That goes for the woman looking at the man in lust. If you practice sin, your name can be taken out of the book of life.

Revelation 3:55 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. This writer is going to share a secret, please don’t tell anyone, it might ruin my reputation.

My wife had plans to leave me and marry another man. I tried for some time to find out where he lived. My plan was to shoot him in his penis without being caught! We can sin in our mind and heart. If I was caught, I could teach in prison.

Hebrews 12:1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. The word “witness” is the Greek word “Martus”. It means literally (Judicially) martyr, record, witness.

To be a witness as in a court room.

Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the [a] substance of things hoped for, the [b] evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.3 By faith we understand that the [c] worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she[d] bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off [e] were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.

15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 [f] of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the [g]passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the [h] reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures [i] in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who [j] did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:

33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.

37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, [k] were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy.

They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

There are born again brothers and sisters who are being killed now, it is getting worse as we move more and more to a cashless world and must have the mark of the beast (the chip) and worship an image. The chip was put in people in Uganda on April 7th, 2023. Will you be able to stand in your faith as in Hebrews 11?

(To be continued)

By Pastor David Leroy Matthews of Sozo Ministries “Ohio”

Space Sponsored by Emmanuel Akwasi Adjei, Be Made Whole International Ministry

Email- bemadewholeministryint@gmail.com

Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin charged for acts of misconduct

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Paa Kwesi Fabin, Aduana coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged Samuel Paa Kwesi Fabin, Head Coach of Aduana Stars for misconduct following comments made against match officials in match day 29 clash game against bottom placed Kotoku Royals.

The gaffer whiles speaking in a post-match interview said “I’m highly disappointed in the referee’s performance in the second half, every tackle was a foul against us, is that how we want a worthy champion in the league? It is very bad”.

In response to this, the GFA in a press statement condemned the comments of the coach.

“These remarks are alleged to have undermined the fairness of the premier league and constituted an attack on the referee’s integrity, actions that have the potential to harm the reputation of the game.”

It added that Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin had been given an ultimatum till Thursday, May 4, 2023, to submit his response to the charges laid against him.

Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin is a professional football manager, who has passed through the ranks of coaching in Ghana, from Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club and currently with Aduana Stars Football Club who leads the Ghana Premier League table with 51 points.

GNA

Weekend European Leagues’ Matches & Previews

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Chelsea vs Bournemouth

unimpressive Chelsea travel away to Bournemouth 

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, in a meeting of two Premier League teams in truly contrasting form. The Cherries have all but sealed top-flight safety and appear to be enjoying life under Gary O’Neil. They have defied the odds and seem prepared to take on any challenge.

At Chelsea, meanwhile, the story couldn’t be more different.

Having lost every game under Frank Lampard since his return, the season cannot end quickly enough and it’s incredibly difficult to see where the next win is coming from.

The hosts have been dealt a blow with Marcus Tavernier suffering another hamstring injury, while a decision is still to be made on Kieffer Moore after he came off feeling unwell during the big win over Leeds.

For Chelsea, Lampard will surely make changes. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ineffective against Arsenal in the week and the Blues boss slammed his players for being too easy to play against.

Mykhailo Mudryk could start, along with Conor Gallagher and Joao Felix. Going to a Bournemouth team at the moment looks one of the most difficult tasks possible in the Premier League. Nothing about Chelsea right now would suggest they can deal with that.

Credit: standard.co.uk

High-flying Haaland lead Manchester City against Leeds

Manchester City will attempt to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome Sam Allardyce‘s Leeds United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Haaland

Those who questioned whether Man City were a better team without Erling Braut Haaland must surely have had a change of heart by now, as the Norwegian striker continues to write his name in the history books courtesy of a truly remarkable debut season in front of goal.

At just 22 years of age, Haaland now holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season after netting his 35th of the campaign in City’s 3-0 win at home against West Ham United on Wednesday night, increasing his overall goal tally in all competitions to a mind-boggling 51 in just 44 games.

Saturday’s result could have huge implications at both ends of the table, with Leeds running out of games to save themselves and head to the Etihad as huge underdogs against an in-form Man City side who are seeking to retain the Premier League title.

Sam Allardyce is stepping into management for the first time in two years at Leeds, with the 68-year-old condemned to his first-ever top-flight relegation in the process.

Shoring up a woeful Leeds’ backline in such a short space of time against the most potent attack in world football is seemingly a tall order for Allardyce,

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Inter Milan take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico

Inter Milan are seeking their fourth win on the trot in Serie A when they travel to take on Roma on Saturday evening at the Stadio Olimpico.

Inter Milan vs Roma

Roma are feeling the strain in the race to secure continental qualification via a top seven finish in Serie A and their 1-1 draw at Monza in midweek pushed their winless run to three matches. In contrast, Inter Milan have caught fire domestically and their 6-0 demolition job on Verona on Wednesday was their third win on the spin in the top tier. Simone Inzaghi’s outfit, who notched 12 times in their three victories, look sharp enough to back against their uninspired hosts on Saturday.

Inter Milan have been purring in the final third of late, as evidenced by their 6-0 rout of Verona in midweek, and Inter will believe they have the attacking thrust to power through the Roma defence.

Inter Milan are the bookmakers’ favourites and they are expected to win the day.

Credit: footballwhispers.com

 

AC Milan, Lazio battle for champions league qualification

The battle for Champions League qualification could go all the way to the final weekend of the Serie A season in 2022-23, with two or three spots still up for grabs. Napoli have already confirmed their place in next season’s tournament, but the remaining places are yet to be decided.

AC Milan vs Lazio

Milan’s home game against Lazio this weekend could have a big role to play in the final placings, with Stefano Pioli’s side unbeaten at the San Siro in their last seven games across all competitions. That consistency at home should tip the balance for them, with Lazio losing out to Torino and Inter at the end of April.

Alongside a reduction in the number of goals being scored, Milan have been forced to tighten up in defence, due to the lack of forward firepower. They have an incredible record of one goal conceded in their last seven home games, with Lazio not really showing enough to suggest they can break through such a solid unit.

Lazio still look to be in a strong position to secure a return to the Champions League, even if they do slip up at the San Siro.

Credit: football-italia.net

Methodist Church Wants Free SHS Reviewed

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Rev Ministers who attended the Synod

The Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana has noted that though the Free Senior High School programme being pursued by the Akufo-Addo administration is a laudable policy, but it is fraught with challenges that must be addressed.

According to the church, but for the policy, most of the underprivileged pupils in the country would not have had access to SHS education and that is why it must be commended.

However, the challenges that have emerged since the government started the implementation of the policy must also be looked at.

“Apart from the toll on the finances of the nation, there are other worrying issues like the uncertainty about the academic calendar, challenges with the School Feeding programme and the Computer School Selection and Placement System, which call for urgent review of the programme”, the church said in a communique issued after its 62nd annual synod in Kumasi.

The Synod in session

The synod, which was held at the Mt. Zion Chapel, Ahensan, Kumasi, was under the theme: “Discipleship: Living the Transformed Life in Jesus Christ”.

It expressed optimism that the government would heed to the numerous calls for a review of the policy so as to improve upon it.

The Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, also noted with concern the rippling effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on our environment.

According to the church, despite the numerous resources which the state has marshalled to fight against galamsey, the environment is still being destroyed.

“The situation keeps getting worse and our water bodies are still polluted. The Synod, therefore, calls on the Government, especially officialdom, to effectively lead the crusade in the fight against galamsey and make that illicit business an unattractive venture to pursue, by invoking the full rigours of the laws of the land on those who indulge in it.”

PROPER HUMAN SEXUAL RIGHTS AND GHANAIAN FAMILY VALUES BILL

2021

On the LGBTQIA+ debate, the Church  reaffirmed its support to the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, whose objective is to truncate the socio-moral canker of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) currently in parliament and commended the Members of Parliament and all stakeholders who strived relentlessly to introduce this Bill.

“The members of the Synod held the belief that the land of Ghana is not ready to accept any practice that is against not only our Christian values, but Muslim and Ghanaian Traditional values as well. They urged all to join hands in saying “NO” to ungodliness and avoid the wrath of God on the nation.”

PREPARATION TOWARDS THE 2024 NATIONAL ELECTION 

Ahead of the 2024 General Elections, whichis about nineteen months away, the Synod called on all the political parties in Ghana to ensure that peace is maintained in the country, even as the country prepares and works towards the 2024 National elections.

This feat, according to the Church, can be achieved by having policy-centered and issue-driven conversation, whilst they pursue their campaign with utmost decorum, devoid of acrimony, insults, rancour and insinuations.

The communiqué further called on media houses to refrain from using intemperate language in their reportage to forestall inflaming passions and polarise the political climate.

It asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to go about its duty transparently for smooth electoral exercise in Ghana.

The Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, told the EC that: “The Electoral Commission is to conduct their duty in a way which would reduce suspicion, bearing in mind that election is a process and not an event and, therefore, would be expected to be above board at every stage, from the compilation of the Voter Register, printing of electoral materials, conveyance of same to the polling Centres, the day of voting, results collation and finally the declaration of results.

KON advises journalists to promote economic rights

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah addressing the media

The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has expressed profound appreciation for the Ghanaian media’s significant contributions in raising awareness about various rights in the country.

The Minister made this known in press statement yesterday, in Accra, to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day.

While expressing gratitude for the media’s contribution so far, the Minister also urged for stronger emphasis on economic rights, considering the recent global challenges and dim economic forecasts.

“Government has commended the Ghanaian media for the indispensable role it plays in the country while urging greater emphasis on economic rights to support efforts in rebuilding faster after the recent global economic challenges” he urged.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and a section of the media

This year’s anniversary, according to the minister, is themed: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights,” marks the 30th global celebration of press freedom.

The Minister emphasised that the media has been instrumental over the years in highlighting various rights that require attention for full enjoyment.

The work of the media, also in highlighting instances of abuse of some rights by sections of the society, has led to redress in many instances. We urge the media to remain resolute on this path.

“While urging the Media in Ghana to keep the spotlight on all human rights, we encourage an even sharper focus on efforts to ensure that the economic rights of citizens are fully actualized,” the statement said.

This government reiterated its commitment to supporting media stakeholder groups in Ghana, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Private Independent Newspapers Association (PRINPAG), the Communication Educators platform, the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the National Media Commission (GIBA).

The former Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) president, Mrs Gifty Affenyi–Dadzie, in her address at the celebration of the event at the Press Centre in Accra yesterday, said that the Freedom of Expression has never been the preserve of the media, but rather it is the oxygen driving democratic societies.

She reinstated that the freedom of speech on our radio stations and the numerous newspaper publications bear testimony to the fact that Ghana is making tangible progress in democratic governance.

One example in agenda setting she indicated, is the demand for accountability, which has been the work of the media coalition on illegal mining or galamsey that was launched in April 2017 to  raise concern about the dangers of galamsey, which threaten our future existence.

Mrs. Dadzie said it is relevant “to remind ourselves that based on the happenings we know now, the agenda to stop galamsey should be treated as a major existential threat that should go beyond the coalition that first highlighted the menace.”

Mrs. Dadzie disclosed that one organ that can sanitize the political campaign environment is the GJA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Council, which is mandated to promote high ethical standards among members of the Association in the performance of their duties.

Also, the president of the Private Newspapers Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Andrews Edwin Arthur, who took turn to address the gathering, in his statement said that this year’s World Press Freedom Day serves as a wake-up call to all lovers of media freedom to stand up and defend media practitioners by condemning all acts that end up negatively affecting the practice of journalism in this country.

Mr. Arthur used the opportunity to urge the Government’s media handlers to be proactive and to engage media owners, editors and senior journalists the more in an attempt to save the Ghanaian media from dying.

He again admonished the Government and its media handlers to consider bringing all media houses onto a common platform, irrespective of perceived political persuasion as a way of making information readily accessible to all.

This, he said, will enable the Government and its media handlers to promote press freedom and pluralism of the media, which is crucial for development in these contemporary times, not forgetting the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

The President of PRINPAG called on media stakeholders, especially the government, to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of journalist throughout the country so as to ensure that, they are better placed to lend support to the national agenda through the practice of their chosen profession.

The President of Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, on his part said to ensure protection of free speech, it was essential that journalists, who are the vanguards of free speech, receive all the support they require to carry out their duties without hindrance or compromise.

“This is why, under my stewardship, the GJA has established the Journalists Support Fund (JSF). The Fund will provide legal services to journalists whose rights have been violated while performing their duties.

“It will also assist in providing training and seminars on safety and security to our members to improve their safety and security,” he said.

Regarding the development of the nation, Mr. Dwumfour noted that the right to free expression is of the utmost importance and all measures must be taken to ensure that it is not infringed upon in any way.

He disclosed that his outfit will inaugurate the “See Something, Say Something” initiative. This initiative is distinct from that of the Ministry of National Security and aims to encourage citizens to volunteer information about individuals who plan to attack or have already attacked journalists.

National Cathedral decks Okudzeto

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu,

The National Cathedral of Ghana has accused the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, of engaging in “reckless” populism.

According to the Secretariat, the Legislator was also damaging people’s reputations, while misinforming the public.

The North Tongu MP had issued what he termed as five bombshells about the National Cathedral in the United States.

He had alleged that the Cathedral project was registered in Washington, fraudulent documents, and under a different name. He also claimed that no member or clergymen on the Ghana Board of Trustees was listed in the US incorporation documents.

He further raised concerns about the identity of two unknown men in the US incorporation documents, and that an American consultant had been paid $6 million.

However, a statement signed by the Executive Director, National Cathedral, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, refuted all the allegation and insisted the National Cathedral Project had been implemented with “integrity and with no criminality.”

He continued that “as with the recklessly-populist and reputationally-damaging accusations of the McCarthy era in the USA, the misinformation and distortions on the National Cathedral project will – ultimately – unravel!”

Responding to the first reported bombshell, Mr. Opoku-Mensah said that, for the record, the National Cathedral of Ghana and Bible Museum Foundation Incorporation, was not the USA branch office of what is in Ghana.

Rather, it was a “special-purpose ‘vehicle’ created for the specificities of the US fundraising needs of the National Cathedral project.”

On the second bombshell on the address of the US registration documents being fraudulent, the press release described it as unfortunate, explaining that the allegation stemmed from a basic, but fundamental, lack of knowledge of the US nonprofit sector. It added that a nonprofit organisation needed a registered agent in the State of the registration.

“That is why on the incorporation document, it is referred to as “Registered Agents name and address in the District Columbia.”

According to the statement, the DC address was a holding address, which receives notices from the regulatory authorities and forwards them to the nonprofit firm.

The National Cathedral responded to the next allegation, to the effect that no member or clergymen on the Ghana Board of Trustees was listed in the US incorporation documents, saying that the current Board was an interim one set up by the Secretariat and its US consultant, for registration purposes.

The release recapped for emphasis that the National Cathedral’s US tax exempt (501© (3) foundation – The National Cathedral of Ghana and Bible Museum Foundation Incorporation was a special-purpose “vehicle” set up primarily for fundraising.

The statement continued that “A full US Board will be constituted later by the Board in Ghana to align with the January 6, 2022 opinion of the Attorney General on the legal status of the National Cathedral project. And this fully constituted Board may include clergy. This is a decision for the Ghana Board.”

The fourth Okudzeto allegation was the identity of two unknown men in the US incorporation

documents.

In its response, the National Cathedral, Ghana said the incorporation documents were public documents, hence, the identities of those behind the registration of the National Cathedral of Ghana and Bible Museum Foundation Incorporation could not be secret.

The statement also said these are two “well-placed” Ghanaians in the USA, who had shown

commitment to the National Cathedral project since its beginning.

The statement indicated that it was because of their early and consistent commitment to the National Cathedral Project that the Secretariat – and not the government – suggested they be used to incorporate the Foundation; one of the requirements for the incorporation was to have a US social security number.

“The two alleged faceless individuals provided the needed legal documentation to enable the registration to be completed. Finally, these two are involved voluntarily, with no compensation whatsoever. These are dedicated sons of Ghana offering to serve their country whenever possible. To impugnmalfeasance and question their integrity is extremely irresponsible.”

On the last accusation on the payment of some $6 million, the National Cathedral said that “no such amount has been paid to Cary Summers.”

The statement explained that the bulk of its expenditure in the US had been to consulting companies which had developed the National Cathedral’s Bible Museum of Africa. The statement further said the total fees paid for consultancy services was less than a million dollars.

Meanwhile, the handlers of the project are not perturbed about the brouhaha surrounding the work. They are aware that the best defense of the National Cathedral project was its

completion for the nation to see its scope and benefits.

Aisha Huang pleads guilty for re-entering Ghana

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Aisha Huang

Aisha Huang, a Chinese national on trial for allegedly engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) activities, has told an Accra High Court that she was guilty for re-entering Ghana at a time she had been prohibited.

This follows Aisha Huang, also known as En Huang, changing her plea from not guilty on count four – entering Ghana prohibited from re-entry – of the charges levelled against her.

The sentence of Aisha Huang had been deferred by the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, till the end of the trial.

However, she maintains her former plea of not guilty on facilitating the participation of persons engaged in a mining operation, illegal employment of foreign nationals, and undertaking a mining operation without a license.

The prosecution has also closed its case and ordered the defence to file its submission of no case to answer by May 16, and the prosecution was to respond to it on May 24. Hearing would continue on May 25.

On May 5, 2017, at about 12:00pm, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Obuasi Municipal Command, arrested four male Chinese nationals, namely Gao Jin Cheng, Lu Qi Jun, Haibin Gao and Zhang Ziupeng, who were actively engaged in an illegal mining site at Bepotenten in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.

Upon their arrest, the four told the arresting officers that they were sent to mine at the site by Aisha Huang, and that their passports were with her in Kumasi.

The arresting officers sent the four persons, first to the Obuasi office of the GIS and subsequently to the Kumasi office.

Aisha Huang, upon receiving the information about the arrest of her alleged Chinese employees, proceeded to the Regional Immigration office in Kumasi, even before the arresting officers reached the Ashanti Regional capital.

After a while, Aisha left upon realising information that the suspects were yet to be brought to the GIS Kumasi office, but was later called back to report with the alleged miners’ passports.

With great difficulty, En Huang eventually produced the passports of only Haibin Gao and Zhang Zhupeng.

The visas of these two arrested persons showed that they came to Ghana on B-1 visas (business visas), which did not qualify them to be engaged in any type of work in the country.

They were, however, engaged by En Huang to undertake mining operations without the requisite licences at Bepotenten.

Investigations revealed that En Huang took possession of several farmlands for mining, and eventually destroyed crops, sources of drinking water, and access routes to these farms, as well as the livelihoods of those depending on these for their livelihoods.

Madam Arthur said Aisha was earlier arraigned before the Accra High Court on related charges of illegally undertaking a small-scale mining operation, contrary to section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703, and illegal employment of foreign nationals, contrary to sections 24 and 52 (1) (d) of the Immigration Act, 2000, Act 573.

However, she said, on December 19, 2018, the Attorney-General entered nolle prosequi and terminated the trial, and on the same day the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service revoked her permit to remain in the country indefinitely, ordered her immediate repatriation to China, and directed her to stay out of Ghana until the Comptroller-General approved of her future re-entry.

Furthermore, Aisha was put on an Ethiopian Airline flight No Et920, which took off at about 12:50pm on December 17, 2018, to Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, en route to Guangzhou, China.

The court was told that her flight seat No 32 F (Economy Class) and her travel documents were handed over to the Captain of the flight to be handed over to her upon arrival at her final destination, Guangzhou, China.

But, contrary to the directive issued by the Comptroller-General under section 20 (2) in the Immigration Act, 2000, Act 573, State Security agents received the information that she had re-entered Ghana and was subsequently arrested on September 2, 2022, in Kumasi.

The court was further informed that this re-entry was in total defiance of the clear order of the Comptroller-General of 19 December, 2018.

Upon her arrest, En Huang had in her possession two Chinese passports, one in the name of En Huang and the other in the name of Huan Ruixia, both of which had her photographs.

Asset-based vehicle financing scheme to be rolled out -Prez

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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0
The CEO of Rana Motors, Mr. Essam Odaymat, shared the story of the company so far and the journey ahead

The government of Ghana has said it will soon launch an asset-based vehicle financing scheme to stimulate demand for domestically assembled vehicles.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced this on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Amasaman, where he commissioned a local assembly plant for the production of Kia vehicles for Ghana and West Africa markets, owned by Rana Motors.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo explained that the scheme was borne out of the fact that the state alone could not purchase the number of vehicles to be assembled.
It will be recalled that the presidency issued a directive to state institutions to prioritise the procurement of locally assembled vehicles.

“We are, however, mindful of the fact that the state alone cannot purchase the sufficient numbers of vehicles to be produced from our assembly plants and will thus require Ghanaians to also patronize these vehicles,” the President stated.

He continued that, “To stimulate demand for domestically assembled vehicles, we will soon be rolling out an asset-based vehicle financing scheme as in existing developed economies to afford Ghanaians the opportunity to purchase vehicles from the Ghana Automotive Development Program.

“We have also shown commitment by implementing the zero-rating of VAT on the sale of domestically assembled vehicles. This means that there is no VAT on the sale of domestically assembled vehicles, even to the end user, to make domestically assembled vehicles affordable,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that he had charged the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to submit to Parliament the required legislative instruction proposing the implementation start date of the Customs Amendment Act (2020).

The president assured companies under the program that the government would continue to engage in discussions that would lead to the expansion of their markets at the regional and continental levels.
The aim, he stated, is to reach the long-term effect of producing some kits domestically to feed the value chain.
KIA
KIA is the fourth-largest global vehicle manufacturer. The company joins other global car brands, including Toyota-Suzuki, Nissan, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Sinotruck, and Ghana’s indigenous brand Kantanka, who have already established assembly plants in the country.

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