Akwaba: Ghana Welcomes Delegates as AABYF Continental Conference Begins

By Jide Afolabi, Accra

The Ghana Baptist Convention has welcomed delegates to the All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship, AABYF, Continental Conference holding in Accra, Ghana.

In the opening ceremonies while welcoming the delegates, the Executive President, Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev Enoch Nii Narth Thompson, welcomed African Baptist youths to Ghana stating that Africa and the world at large were waiting for the African Baptist youths to take up leadership roles.

He said that the Baptist World Alliance and All Africa Baptist Fellowship were looking towards the youths to take up leadership in the next 20 years but the leadership must be Bible-based and not traditional. He, however, noted that the youths must show excellence in the ministry, profession, and academics and wished the youths a wonderful experience.

In his fraternal greetings, the General Secretary, Baptist World Alliance, Rev Dr Elijah Brown congratulated AABYF for the conference while urging the youths to continue to be committed to the gospel.

He acknowledged the roles of African Baptist youths in the BWA Horizons leadership Training project.

The Ghana Baptist Convention Women Missionary Union, Mama Samantha Moro expressed her delight at the youths for the conference adding that the Ghana Baptist women would support the conference.

Other dignitaries that delivered fraternal greetings included the Vice President, Asia-Pacific Baptist Youths, Bro. Jacob, expressing his happiness at the organization of the conference while inviting African Baptist youths to the Asia-Pacific Baptist Youths conference which will hold in June 2024.

Earlier, the President of AABYF, Bro. Jonas Schoole Kakenge appreciated the Local Organising Committee, LOC, for the great job done and the sub-regional leadership for their contributions to fostering peace among Baptist youths in Africa.

Kakenge urged delegates to embrace the spirit of openness and inclusivity. He urged the delegates to look beyond the borders and strengthen the brotherhood and sisterhood bonds.

Other dignitaries at the opening session included the Ghana Baptist Convention’s immediate past Executive President; Vice President, Director, Christian Education, Director South East Sector, Mission and Evangelism Director.

Others were the Director and Coordinator, Youths and Students Ministries, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr James S. Olawuyi and Rev Joshua IbukunOluwa; and Coordinator, Youths Ministries, Togo Baptist Convention among others.

The Conference theme is Like Father, Like Son (1 Peter 1:15), and holding at will Pentecost Christian Centre, Accra, Ghana, between Tuesday, August 1, and Saturday, August 6, 2023.