The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has called on the Church to broaden its understanding of Christian stewardship and take a stronger prophetic stand against environmental destruction in Ghana.
He said the Church’s responsibility should extend beyond the spiritual needs of individuals to include the wellbeing of communities and the wider creation.
Addressing the formal opening of the 52nd Conference of The Methodist Church Ghana at St. Paul Cathedral, Tema, on Wednesday (August 19, 2026), Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu cited the recent devastating flooding in the country as evidence of inadequate stewardship and responsibility towards the environment.
The conference, on the theme, “Working in the Word: Equipped for Every Good Work,” brought together church leaders, clergy, lay representatives, observers, ecumenical partners and other stakeholders to review the work of the Church and determine priorities for the coming Connexional Year.
Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu also identified the destruction of arable lands and pollution of water bodies through illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, as major environmental concerns that should form part of the Church’s prophetic witness.
“The recent devastating deluge in the country exposed the inadequate conception of Christian stewardship and responsibility. The continued devastations of arable lands and pollution of water bodies through illegal small-scale mining must be seen as part of our prophetic challenge with respect to ministry and mission,” he said.
He said Christian mission must embrace the whole person—body, soul and spirit—and challenged the Church to engage issues that affected the quality of life and wellbeing of society.
Children and youth ministry
The Presiding Bishop identified children’s ministry and ministry to young people as strategic areas requiring sustained attention if the Church was to secure its future.
He said the future of the denomination depended heavily on the quality of ministry to children and urged ministers and church leaders not to relegate children’s activities to the margins of church life.
He also stressed the importance of creating an environment in which young people could contribute meaningfully to the Church’s mission and ministry, saying their energy, ideas and commitment were essential to its growth.
Infrastructure projects
Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu announced several priority infrastructural projects requiring sustained attention and investment.
He said the Youth Auditorium Project at the Methodist Youth Development Centre at Aburi was progressing steadily and was expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.
The project forms part of initiatives to mark the 190th anniversary of The Methodist Church Ghana. He said the Church would also intensify fundraising to rehabilitate hostel facilities at the centre and provide space for entrepreneurial workshops.
He further announced plans for a Methodist Church Ghana Retreat Centre at Prampram, to be developed in phases, beginning with meeting facilities.
He said the Freeman Centre for Leadership Development and Guesthouse would also be upgraded, while discussions continued with a potential strategic developer for the redevelopment of the old Wesley House.
Responsible social media use
The Presiding Bishop called for responsible use of social media by ministers and lay members.
While acknowledging the growing importance of media in Christian ministry, he cautioned members against using social media in ways that could bring the Church into disrepute.
Support
The Lay President of the Methodist Church Ghana Kwasi Attah-Antwi, congratulated the Presiding Bishop for what he described as a clear presentation of the Church’s vision and priorities.
He said the Conference had taken note of key issues, including spiritual development, worship, social responsibility and infrastructure development, and assured the Presiding Bishop that members would work with him to implement the proposals.
Commitment
The Guest of Honour, Dr Agyekum-Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, urged the Church to renew its commitment to evangelism, discipline and responsible stewardship.
He called for intentional evangelism, including church planting, strengthened congregations and digital evangelism through online discipleship, virtual Bible studies and media outreach.
He also urged the Church to remain united and relevant to present and future generations.
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