News
‘Pursue lasting peace over material prosperity’
A Jehovah Witness from the United States, Joel Grim, has asked Ghanaians to chase peace, hope and other virtues that comes when pure and genuine worship is rendered to God.
In his view, “people are worshipping God now not for the reason He called us but for material things. Unfortunately, some of these things don’t last,” he said.
Mr Grim mentioned this in an interview with The Spectator after opening a convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kumasi over the weekend.
The three-day annual event, held at Asokore Mampong, was themed: ‘Pure Worship,’ attracting thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds to reflect the global reach and local relevance of the movement.
According to Mr Grim, it has become necessary to pursue sincere and undefiled worship to God.
“Today, many people devote their prime energy to worldly pursuits – some worship money, fame, or pleasure,” he said.
“This convention aims to help people return to the pure worship of God, serving Him with a clean heart, in sincerity and truth,” he added.
Quoting from the Bible (Jn 4:24), he emphasised that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Grim indicated that the teachings delivered during the sessions were designed to comfort and uplift the public, especially at a time when negative news dominated the media landscape.
“We want people to understand that genuine worship of God brings lasting peace, real hope, and spiritual prosperity,” he said.
“This is a message the world urgently needs.”
He noted that for many Jehovah’s Witnesses and attendees, these conventions were the spiritual highlight of the year—an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and reconnection with Bible principles.
“In a time when people are yearning for good news, this convention offers exactly that,” he underlined.
In a remarkable effort to connect with all participants, the convention was conducted in seven languages, including English, Twi, Ewe, and Ga.
According to the organisers, the Kumasi convention was part of a nationwide series, with about 200 such gatherings scheduled across Ghana from June to August.
From Kingsley Hope, Kumasi
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
