Ghana Baptist Convention lifts ban on women in ministry, demands action on galamsey, peaceful elections and social media indiscipline
The Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has called for urgent national efforts to address illegal mining, electoral violence and rising social indiscipline, as it concluded its 62nd Annual Session at the Baptist Women’s Retreat Centre in Ejura, Ashanti Region.
In a communiqué signed by Moderator Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe and Executive President Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, the Convention urged the Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties and government to ensure that the upcoming Akwatia by-election and all future polls are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
“The election should be devoid of violence to safeguard its sanctity,” the statement said, emphasising that democracy thrives only where there is unity and peace.
On the environment, the Convention condemned the destructive impact of illegal mining on forests, water bodies and farmlands, calling for immediate and decisive action by government, civil society organisations and stakeholders to halt the menace.
The resolutions also highlighted concerns about the misuse of social media, urging Ghanaians to “cultivate respect and dignity in public broadcasting channels and our online interactions, reflecting the cultural values of love and honour for one another.”
Addressing denominational matters, delegates unanimously annulled a 1998 resolution that restricted the involvement of women in ministry within the Convention. The new position, they said, affirms the ministry potential of women as ordained by God.
"That the 1998 Resolution of the GBC Ministers’ Conference, that placed a cap on the ministry involvement of women in the Convention, is hereby annulled, since the Convention recognizes the ministry potential of women (reference resolution (7), 2012). Therefore, women should be allowed to realize their fullest ministry potentials within the Convention as God has ordained. This resolution supersedes all previous resolutions on the subject," the resolution stated.
The GBC further directed that all tertiary institutions in Ghana be considered mission fields, with local Baptist student fellowships transitioning into recognised churches under pastoral oversight to ensure continuity and pastoral care.
Other resolutions included plans to establish a research department as mandated by the GBC Constitution, explore the possibility of a centralised system for paying ministers, and review the current executive presidency structure against the former system to determine its long-term suitability.
In his address, Rev. Thompson said Ghana was confronted with challenges that demanded collective responsibility, citing illegal mining, indiscipline on social media and unrest in the northern regions. “We urge all Christians and citizens to prioritise stewardship, promote positivity online, and resolve conflicts peacefully,” he said.
He stressed that the church remained committed to preaching the gospel, nurturing believers into responsible citizens, and engaging communities to promote national development. “As a disciplined church reflecting Christ to the world, we must be a force for good in our nation,” he added.
The Convention, held under the theme “The Disciplined Church Reflecting Christ to the World,” brought together delegates from across the country to deliberate on both national and denominational issues.
