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Raising disciples, and families …Mission of Rev. Dr Kisseadoo’s Fruitful Ministry Int’l

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In Ghana’s Chris­tian commu­nity and beyond, Rev. Dr Samuel Kissea­doo has become a household name for his practical teachings on marriage, parenting, and relationships.

For more than five decades, he has served as an Evangelist, Preacher, Writer, Counselor, and Teacher, rais­ing a generation of believers whose lives bear testimony to his influence.

Born in Ghana, Dr Kisseadoo’s min­istry journey began as early as 1969, during his secondary school days.

With a burden to share the gospel, he began preaching in schools, train­ing colleges, fellowships, and church­es across the country.

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By the time he left for further studies abroad in 1993, he had already ministered in more than 85 secondary schools, witnessing mass conversions and altar calls.

But as he recalls, his concern soon shifted. “I was getting fed up with too many decisions and few disci­ples,” he said, drawing inspiration from Acts 20:20, which emphasises both public proclamation and person­al connection.

This principle-often referred to as the 20/20 vision of the church-shaped the foundation of his minis­try: bold public teaching, paired with intimate discipleship through person­al touch and attention.

Dr Kisseadoo furthered his stud­ies in the United States, earning his Ph.D. in New York in 1993. While in Holland and later America, he combined academic pursuits with active ministry, teaching and counsel­ing both students and church groups.

In 1994, after years of shaping lives abroad, he returned home to Ghana, where his ministry took on a national dimension.

In 1999, Dr Kisseadoo’s teachings on Joy FM-partic­ularly his frank dis­cussions on marriage, family, and relation­ships— drew national attention. His pro­gramme resonat­ed deeply with listeners, sparking requests for organised teachings and counseling sessions.

Speaking to The Spectator in an Accra, he said this led to the found­ing of Fruitful Ministries Internation­al, which was officially inaugurated on December 30, 2000, with over 400 participants in attendance despite Accra being choked with jubilant crowds celebrating the election of President John Agyekum Kufuor that same day.

He mentioned that Fruitful Minis­tries quickly grew into an interna­tional organisation, with 21 chapters in Ghana and abroad, structured around five objectives: evangelism, discipleship, prayer and empower­ment, leadership development, fami­ly, marriage, and relationships.

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Its motto, “Family Excellence,” and its theme verse, John 15:16-“I chose you to go and bear fruit that abides”-reflect its central vision: to nurture strong families that produce lasting impact.

“Today the ministry operates in two major zones- the southern zone with 13 chapters and the northern zone with 12 chapters with 36 plat­forms, ensuring its impact continues to multiply,” he said.

Dr Kisseadoo’s passion for fami­ly life and women’s empowerment is rooted in his upbringing. Losing his father at 12, he was raised by a devoted single mother whose resil­ience left a lasting imprint. “If I had GH¢100 in school, the first thing I would do was buy a gift for my moth­er,” he recalls.

That love and compassion deep­ened during his campus ministry days at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he frequently ministered to female students.

His early experiences convinced him that strengthening women, mothers, and families was vital to building a healthier society. “When God came to save humanity, He went to Mary, not Joseph,” he often says, underscoring women’s unique role in nurturing life.

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Through initiatives like the Fruitful Ministries Club at Accra Girls Se­nior High School, hundreds of young women have been trained since 2006 in excellence, character, and prepa­ration for future motherhood and leadership. Graduating students are awarded certificates, affirming their transformation into future pillars of society.

For more than two decades, Dr Kisseadoo has hosted “Hope for Your Family” on Joy 99.7 FM, airing every Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m.

The broadcast has become a life­line for families seeking guidance on marriage, parenting, and personal development.

He is also a prolific author, having published 32 books covering topics from discipleship to marriage and conflict resolution. His articles have appeared in both local and interna­tional publications, extending his reach far beyond the pulpit.

Whether speaking to large crowds, counseling couples, or addressing young people, Dr Kisseadoo’s teach­ings remain practical and down-to-earth.

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He tackles sensitive issues like sexuality, financial management in marriage, conflict resolution, and parenting with courage and clarity.

“No matter who you are, every­thing comes back to the home,” he insists. “Your lifestyle at home defines the person you present to the world,” Rev Kisseadoo stated.

He mentioned that despite its growth, Fruitful Ministries faces ongoing challenges. From limited office space to resource constraints, sustaining its operations has not been easy.

According to him, there is also the misconception that, because its founder resides in the United States of America (USA), the ministry was well-funded-a notion far from reality. Recruiting and retaining committed workers has also proven difficult.

But Dr Kisseadoo remains unde­terred. “We don’t just want people to go to heaven, we want them to be useful on earth as well,” he said.

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Today, Rev. Dr Samuel Kisseadoo is celebrated not only as a preach­er but also as a mentor, writer, and counselor whose ministry has raised disciples, leaders, and families across Ghana and the diaspora.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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Albert Litela Obidiaba: The artist who wove Ghana’s soul into the King’s Baton

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Albert Odiaba with the King’s Baton

When the world’s eyes turn to the King’s Baton on its global journey, one of Ghana’s most profound artistic stories travels with it. It will be a story of creativity, culture, and national pride crafted by Albert Litela Obidiaba.

From the quiet town of Old Baika in the Oti Region, Albert’s journey as an artist has always been about telling stories. It is not just through words, but through symbols, textures, and meaning.

“From a young age, I was drawn to the power of art, knowing how colours and textures can capture not just emotion but culture and identity,” he recalls.

Today, his name has become synonymous with innovation rooted in traditional bridge between Ghana’s past and its global creative future.

Albert’s love for art was born from curiosity. Surrounded by the vibrancy of Ghanaian culture; the patterns of kente, the stories behind Adinkra symbols, and the textures of daily life, he began sketching and crafting early on.

“Simple things told deep stories,” he says. “That fascinated me.”

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As he matured, his art evolved into a personal mission to preserve and reinterpret Ghana’s heritage for a modern audience. His style reflects a seamless blend of culture and contemporary design, each piece a narrative of unity, history, and pride.

“I see art as storytelling through form and symbolism, it should feel rooted in purpose yet speak to today’s world,” he explains.

When the call came to design Ghana’s version of the King’s Baton, Albert saw it as both a national duty and a creative calling.

Recommended by mentors like Mr Charles Osei Asibey, who trusted his talent and understanding of Ghanaian symbolism, he embraced the project wholeheartedly.

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Albert with the baton

His vision was clear; to create a piece that would embody unity, pride, and the enduring spirit of Ghana.

Drawing from traditional motifs, he integrated textures inspired by kente weaving, representing hard work, continuity, and creativity. The golden tones symbolise strength and dignity, while the contours and natural motifs mirror Ghana’s landscapes and people.

“The King’s Baton had to tell our story of who we are, what we value, and how we see the world, it is more than art, it is identity in motion,” he said.

Albert in a pose with the baton

Every etch, every pattern carries meaning. From concept to completion, the entire process took three intense weeks which were filled with research, design sketches, consultation, and collaboration with skilled artisans.

“It was days and nights of work, but a lifetime of meaning,” he says with quiet pride.

Creating a design that represents all of Ghana’s diverse cultures was no small feat. Albert had to balance aesthetics, authenticity, and technology thereby using sustainable wood, carefully treated and certified, to reflect the nation’s commitment to nature and preservation.

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“It wasn’t easy finding the right mix,” he admits. “But those challenges pushed me to think deeper. They made the final piece stronger — both artistically and symbolically.”

For Albert, Ghanaian culture is both muse and message. His works echo the values of unity, strength, persistence, and wisdom, drawn from Ghana’s traditions.

“Art preserves who we are and every line and symbol tells a story of belonging,” he said, and believes art is one of the most powerful tools for building national pride.

Designing the King’s Baton has been a defining moment in his creative journey and that it deepened his appreciation for cultural storytelling. “It taught me that creativity is also a form of service,” he said.

The experience has opened new professional doors, but more importantly, it gave him a renewed sense of purpose making him embrace a call to national duty.

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“My soul will be glad even after my days on earth are over,” he said beaming with smiles.

Beyond the King’s Baton, Albert has worked on numerous projects celebrating Ghanaian identity through contemporary art and design. His ongoing works explore symbolism and heritage in new forms which includes blending materials, stories, and styles from across Ghana’s regions.

He is currently preparing projects that continue the conversation the baton began. They are about unity, creativity, and Africa’s evolving artistic voice.

To young artists aspiring to make their mark, Albert’s advice is for them to believe deeply in their craft and that the world is always looking for authenticity “which comes from knowing who you are and where you come from.”

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On how he wants to be remembered, he said, “I want to be remembered as an artist who used creativity to celebrate culture and connect people. If my name is remembered as the one who designed Ghana’s version of the King’s Baton, that will be enough, because it means I carried Ghana in my hands, and shared her with the world.”

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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 Survival to service: Margaret Odame Donkor the breast cancer preacher

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• Margaret Odame Donkor
• Margaret Odame Donkor

 A ‘trotro’ bus heading to Nsawam was filled with the usual sounds from conversations, music, and sometimes a preacher delivering a message.

But when Margaret Odame Donkor rises to speak, she does not preach salvation or sell herbal remedies. Instead, she shares her journey as a breast cancer survivor, urging passengers to examine their breasts regularly, seek medical help early, and never lose hope.

Her pulpit is not a church, but the crowded minibuses of Ghana’s public transport system. Her message is not about repen­tance, but about survival.

She urges wom­en to check their breasts regularly, encourages men to support their wives during health challeng­es, and reas­sures everyone listening that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of life.

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Magaret speaking on breast cancer

For Marga­ret, cre­ating aware­ness is more than a duty-it is a calling born out of personal pain, fear, and triumph.

Her words carried weight because they come from lived experience.

At age 48, Margaret has walked through the valley of fear and pain, battled stage three invasive carcino­ma, and emerged not just a survivor but an advocate determined to educate others.

Cancer journey

Margaret’s encounter with breast cancer stretches back decades. At 22, she discovered a lump in her left breast. It was removed and declared benign. Relieved, she skipped reg­ular checks and moved on. Then in 2021, the lump reappeared—this time spreading toward her armpit.

Margaret (second from right) with other breast cancer survivors

At a church screening in October 2022, doctors detected suspicious lymph nodes. Further tests confirmed her worst fear: stage three invasive carcinoma.

“It wasn’t easy,” she recalls softly. “But my faith in God kept me strong. My husband, children, family, friends, and colleagues formed an army behind me. Their prayers, visits, and en­couragement gave me the courage to fight.”

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“Be grateful every day because you never know what tomorrow may bring. No one has it all, but with love and support, you can endure,” she stated.

Margaret Odame Donkor

Her greatest fear remains recur­rence and not living long enough to see her children graduate and be­come the people she dreams for them to be.

Before cancer disrupted her life, Margaret had found purpose in inter­pretation. In 2020, a friend spotted a Judicial Service vacancy and en­couraged her to apply. After years of unsuccessful attempts at government jobs, she was reluctant, but she tried once more. This time, she succeeded and was posted to the Eastern Region, her home.

Today, she works at the Nsawam District Court, one of the busiest in the area. On a typical day, she arrives at 7:30am, prepares dockets, and confers with magistrates. She inter­prets proceedings in Twi, Ga, Hausa, and occasionally Ewe, ensuring that justice was accessible to all.

Her role is demanding. Cross-exam­inations require her to switch quickly between English and local dialects, while marriages often call for inter­preting vows in couples’ preferred languages. Still, she thrives. “The registrars and magistrates I’ve worked with have been amazing. They make the environment very comfortable,” she stated.

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Beyond the courtroom, Margaret is also an entrepreneur. In 2017, she founded Nubreed Décor, an events decoration business born from her childhood love for beautifying spaces. She recalls cutting paper decorations as a child and helping her cousin rent out chairs and decorate venues.

Balancing décor with court work was tough, and her health struggles after surgery made it even harder. Radia­tion left her with persistent rib pain, forcing her to slow down. “Now I hire more hands, which makes business expensive, but it helps me achieve my goals,” she explained.

Her biggest challenge as an entre­preneur remains finance. “The event industry is huge, but I have to work at my own pace and focus on my niche,” she admited.

Cancer changed how Margaret values people and relationships. She learned that those you least expect often become your strongest sup­porters. She urges families to stand by patients with prayers, encourage­ment, and financial support, remind­ing society that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of life.

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Her advocacy extends beyond awareness talks. She dreams of estab­lishing a counselling centre for young people and hopes Ghana will expand access to mammograms and radiother­apy centres. “Every patient deserves a chance at survival,” she said firmly.

She urged the youth to live peace­fully and be their brother’s keeper, learn to be content and rely on God.

To women, she asserted that, “love yourselves and make breast checks routine while calling on Ghanaians to be open-minded, avoid being judg­mental, and show love.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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