News
Forgive one another, embody Christ’s humility – clergy urges X’tians
Christians all over world have been urged to celebrate Easter in its true spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, stirring a call for a return to the deeper meaning of the season, one rooted in sacrifice, humility, and transformation.
According to a statement signed by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson K. Asamoah-Gyedu, and cited by the The Spectator, Christians were reminded that Easter was not merely a date on the calendar, but a divine invitation to renewal which is both personal and national.
Quoting Philippians 2:5–11, he described Jesus Christ not just as a figure of privilege, but of profound humility; one who chose service over status and obedience over self.
“It is this example, the Church insists, holds the key to Ghana’s progress,” he mentioned.
In a tone of both reflective and urgent, Bishop Asamoah-Gyadu cautioned against the creeping culture of entitlement that continues to weaken the nation’s moral fabric.
He said public service, once regarded as a noble calling, was increasingly seen as an avenue for personal gain, an attitude he described as both dangerous and unsustainable.
“Easter assures us that no situation is beyond redemption, just as the empty tomb signaled victory over death, so too can Ghana rise above its present challenges through a renewed commitment to justice, integrity, and selfless service,” he emphasised. .
According to him, this year’s Easter coincided with the sacred period of Ramadan, a moment the Presiding Bishop describes as a beautiful reminder of Ghana’s religious harmony.
Commending the devotion of the Muslim community, he called for deeper interfaith dialogue and a shared commitment to peace and nation-building.
He reaffirmed the church’s belief in the transformative power of education and moral formation, urging faith-based institutions to continue shaping not only minds, but character.
He noted that true change begins within and called on Ghanaians to embody Christ’s humility in their homes, workplaces, and communities, thereby becoming agents of reconciliation, hope, and renewal.
Extending warm greetings to all Ghanaians, including President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, he called on Ghanaians to reflect deeply on the life of Jesus Christ, whose journey from suffering to glory remains the ultimate model of purposeful living.
From the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), a Resident Minister of the Ga West Model Church at Tetegu in Accra, Rev. Immanuel Wiafe, urged Ghanaians to embrace mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation as the true essence of Easter.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator, Rev. Wiafe described the significance of Christ’s sacrifice through the theme: ‘the voice of Blood,’ drawing a contrast between the cry of Abel and the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.
Referencing biblical accounts in Genesis and Hebrews, he explained that Abel’s blood, shed unjustly, symbolises a cry for justice and accountability, while the blood of Jesus represents mercy, forgiveness and redemption.
“Human suffering is never silent before God,” he said, adding that, “But Easter introduces something greater. While Abel’s blood cries out for justice, the blood of Jesus speaks mercy and offers humanity a new beginning.”
Rev. Wiafe noted that although justice remains essential in society, the message of Easter goes beyond punishment to emphasise grace and sacrificial love.
“Our world needs justice, but it must be tampered with mercy. The death and resurrection of Christ show that God responds to human sin not only with justice but with love that redeems,” he stated.
The minister further stressed that the Easter message was not limited to Christians alone but extended to all, particularly those burdened by guilt, regret or a sense of hopelessness.
“You are not beyond redemption,” he noted, citing that, “Easter is an open invitation. It offers a fresh start, not based on one’s past, but on God’s grace.”
Rev. Wiafe, however, challenged Christians to reflect deeply on their conduct, noting that celebrating Easter without practicing forgiveness and reconciliation would contradict the very message of Christ.
“It is inconsistent to receive forgiveness and refuse to forgive others. If we claim to live under the mercy of Christ, then we must become agents of that same mercy,” he emphasised.
Moreover, he urged believers to pursue peace, forgive even in difficult circumstances, and seek reconciliation in their relationships, adding that Easter should not only be celebrated but lived out daily.
Touching on rising tensions in societies across the world, including political and social divisions, Rev. Wiafe said the message of mercy was more relevant now than ever.
“We live in a time where injustice, anger and retaliation are widespread. But if humanity is to thrive, we must listen to a different voice, the voice of Jesus. Mercy and forgiveness are not weaknesses; they are the foundation of lasting peace,” he indicated.
Rev. Wiafe called on individuals to make a conscious choice this Easter in order to embrace healing and extend compassion to others.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
