The Treasurer of the West Central African Division of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (WAD) based in Abidjan, Ps. Dr Dickson Sarfo Marfo, has urged Christians, especially members of the SDA Church, to set themselves apart and live holy lives.

Speaking at the 2026 Annual Camp Meeting Consecration Service organised by the New Life District of the SDA Church at Valley View University, Oyibi, Dr Marfo said devotion to God, holiness and consistent study of the Bible were the only ways believers can ‘stand the test of time.’

The four-day camp meeting was held under the theme: “Integrated for Mission: Grounded in the Bible and Focused on the Mission”.

Dr Marfo told the congregation: “Take time to spend time to read God’s word. That is the only way that you can stand the test of time.”

The WAD Treasurer cautioned that merely attending church without surrendering one’s life to the will of Christ does not guarantee a person as a true Christian who is waiting for the second coming of God.

Dr Marfo noted that these are times when true Christians must live godly lives that the world can emulate.

He challenged members to make a decisive turn after the camp meeting. 

For his part, the President of the East Ghana Conference of the SDA Church, Ps. Dr Ernest Kwaku Ofosu, encouraged the congregation to allow the Word of God to correct them from negative behaviours.

Dr Ofosu also urged the congregation to be very serious and to work out their own salvation with diligence.

The New Life District Pastor, who also serves as the Eastern Regional Manager for SDA Schools, Pr. Asante Amaniampong Danso, advised members to remain faithful and steadfast as they await the second coming of God.

The occasion was graced by several dignitaries including the Registrar of Valley View University, Pr. Dr Samuel Amankwah; the Communication and Legal Affairs Director of the EGC, Pr. Patrick Nyarnor; and Former President of the MGC, Pr. E.D. Poakwah, among other guests.

As part of the occasion, 19 souls were baptised into the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The Kwadaso Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region has sentenced a 35-year-old mason to eight years’ imprisonment for robbing a pharmacist at Denchemuoso, near Kwadaso. 

Michael Okyere, the convict, pleaded not guilty to the charge but was convicted after a full trial, presided over by Mr Jephthar Appau. 

Police Chief Inspector David Opoku Kwabi, presenting the facts to the court, said the complainant, Ms Salomey Ametefe Enyonam, was an attendant at Kingsley Nsiah Chemist at Atwima Techiman, while the convict loiters around Denchemuoso. 

He said on January 22, 2025, at about 9a.m, the complainant reported for duty and about 15 minutes later, Okyere entered the shop and requested to see the doctor in charge. 

According to the prosecution, the complainant asked him to wait while she went to call the doctor. 

However, Okyere became aggressive, pushed her against a refrigerator in the office, forcibly took her iPhone 11 mobile phone valued at GH¢4,500.00 and fled. 

The prosecution said the complainant raised an alarm, prompting some youth in the area to pursue and arrest the convict before handing him over to the Denchemuoso Police. 

In his caution statement, Okyere admitted the offence and pleaded for leniency. 

Following investigations, he was charged and arraigned before the court, which found him guilty after a full trial and sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment. –GNA