Ghana Baptist Convention ordains 92 new ministers at Ejura gathering, sets high ethical standards

The Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has taken a significant step in strengthening its ministerial workforce by ordaining 92 new ministers, eight of whom are women. The ordination ceremony, held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, marked a key milestone at the church's 63rd annual session held at the Baptist Women's Retreat and Resource Centre in Ejura, Ashanti Region.

The five-day gathering brought together church leadership under the theme "Revived to reach out: Proclaiming Christ in every community", reflecting the denomination's commitment to expanding its evangelical reach across Ghana's communities.

The ministerial pathway and ordination process

The ordination process involves a rigorous three-stage journey designed to ensure candidates are spiritually prepared and theologically sound. Vice President of the GBC, Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku, outlined the pathway: after receiving a calling into ministry and receiving affirmation from their local churches, candidates undertake theological training at convention-approved institutions.

Following their studies, aspiring ministers face a formal vetting process conducted by the Ministers' Conference, which examines their doctrinal knowledge and readiness for pastoral responsibilities. The three main stages—licensing, endorsement for full Ministers' Conference membership, and ordination—ensure candidates meet the denomination's standards before taking on lifelong ministerial duties.

The ordination itself was conducted by Executive President Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, assisted by Rev. Oppong-Poku and Rev. Victor Brew, President of the Ministers' Conference, who laid hands on candidates, offered prayers, anointed them, and presented certificates to mark their transition into formal ministry.

Charge to live above reproach and serve with integrity

Rev. Dr Felix Owusu, Accra Coordinator of Ghana Baptist University College, delivered the ordination sermon, challenging the new ministers to uphold rigorous personal and professional standards. He emphasised that maintaining open church doors to believers and non-believers alike would be crucial to reducing membership attrition—a concern for many Ghanaian churches.

Dr Owusu stressed that personal spirituality must anchor ministerial work, urging the new clergy to develop habitual prayer practices and disciplined Scripture study. He called on them to model Christ-like behaviour in their homes, workplaces and communities, serving as moral compasses for their congregations and broader society.

Warning against burnout, Dr Owusu advised the ministers to prioritise their health and delegate tasks to prevent exhaustion in a demanding vocation. He also cautioned them to guard their integrity carefully, as lapses in personal conduct undermine church credibility and hinder ministry effectiveness.

Executive President Rev. Thompson reinforced these messages, urging the new ministers to ground their faith in Scripture rather than emotions, and to develop genuine love for those seeking Christ and their broader communities. He highlighted the transformative power of the Gospel in addressing social problems affecting Ghanaian youth, including substance abuse, corruption and moral decline.

Why it matters for Ghana

This ordination is significant for Ghana's faith landscape and social fabric. As churches expand their ministerial capacity, they strengthen their ability to provide pastoral care, community development and moral leadership across Ghana's towns and villages. The inclusion of eight women in this cohort reflects evolving attitudes within Ghana's religious institutions towards gender inclusion in leadership roles.

The emphasis on ministerial integrity and personal conduct is particularly relevant in a context where religious leaders wield considerable influence over their congregations. High ethical standards among clergy can help counter growing concerns about financial impropriety and moral failures within some church circles, restoring public confidence in religious institutions.

The GBC's focus on reaching every community with the Gospel also aligns with broader national conversations about social cohesion, youth development and addressing the drivers of crime and substance abuse through faith-based interventions.

Speaking after the ceremony, several newly ordained ministers expressed deep gratitude for the honour and pledged to serve diligently in their pastoral roles, signalling renewed commitment to the denomination's mission across Ghana.