News
Redeemed Baptist Church Choir celebrates 20 years of God’s goodness
The Redeemed Baptist Church (RBC) Choir has climaxed its 20th anniversary with a historic celebration at the church’s premises located at Ogbojo in Accra expressing deep gratitude for Gods goodness over the years.
To mark this remarkable milestone, the Choir hosted a special Black-Tie Event last Sunday featuring some of the finest classical sacred music with each musical piece woven with a short narration dubbed, ‘The Spoken Word’ introduction.
Themed “Redeemed Baptist Church Choir @ 20 Exclusive Joyful Praise” the Choir’s ministration was accompanied by skillful performances of an Orchestra giving glory to the Almighty God, for carrying them through two decades of music and ministry.
Prior to the climax, there was a special Evangelical Concert on Saturday dubbed, ‘The Messiah’ in honour of Kwame Owusu Agyei Schandorf, of blessed memory, the first Choir Master for his unflinching support.
It was an unforgettable evening of spirit-filled music which featured Legon Baptist Church Choir, Adenta SDA Church Choir, The Penchords, Victory Presby Church Choir, University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) Choir, soloists and the RBC Choir who ministered melodious songs uplifting the spirits of guests.
Delivering a sermon on Sunday, Reverend Doctor Samuel Otu Pimpong, immediate past Head Pastor of the Legon Baptist Church (LBC) told the congregation that music is not ordinary but important in the worship of God therefore every song sang to God must be biblical and give praise to Him as the Almighty God.
“The lyrics of songs that constitute music must be godly, prayerful and lift up the broken-hearted. It should draw God’s attention to people,” he added.
Quoting Amos Chapter 5 verse 23, Rev Dr Otu-Pimpong encouraged Christians “to embrace Godly music which invokes the celestial choirs to our overflowing joy.”
“Be careful of the music you admire because some lyrics are ungodly,” he noted.
Rev Dr Otu-Pimpong also urged the Choir to always ensure that they do not sing to entertain but to minister to people.
Presenting a report, Mr. James Asante, member of the RBC Choir Anniversary Planning Committee said that “today marks a significant milestone in our journey – a journey of praise, growth, service, and unwavering faith in the Lord.’
“Over the past two decades, we have experienced tremendous growth both spiritually and musically. Our repertoire has expanded to include hymns, anthems, classical pieces and indigenous praise,” he noted.
He said that despite its achievements the Choir had faced challenges including limited resources for musical instruments, uniforms and sound equipment, as well as the occasional commitment levels but through it all “God has remained faithful, and we continue to press on in unity and love.”
In a goodwill message, Rev Francis Amanor Narterh, who was the Head Pastor of RBC at the time the Choir was inaugurated acknowledged the sacrifices of the Choir over the years and encouraged them to be steadfast and move to greater heights to impact the Kingdom of God.
The Head Pastor of RBC, Rev Samuel Kofi Amedormey, noted that for two decades the Choir has stood as a shining light faithfully leading the congregation in worship, carrying members week after week into the presence of God through songs birthed in prayer, devotion and sacrifice.
“Through every anthem, hymn, and chorus, you have poured out worship that has blessed countless lives and brought glory to the Most-High God,” he said.
The founder of the RBC Church Choir, Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, acknowledged the contributions of the Choir over the years.
“Our melodious voices have glorified God within the RBC sanctuary and beyond. Our ministrations at sister churches, joyous weddings, anniversaries, hospitals, and prisons as well as our performances at the prestigious Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences’ commemorative celebrations and events have left a lasting impact on all who have witnessed them,” she said.
The Senior Associate Pastor of RBC, Rev Abu Ibrahim, Rev Dr Lawrence Asare Boadi, Pastor in charge of music, Mrs Elizabeth Amegashie, First Presenter of the Choir, Dr Esther Korkor Attiogbe, Pioneer Choir member, Hon Samuel Akrofi, Deacon in charge of music, Mrs, Iris Yemotiorkor Botchway, Chairperson of the Body of Deacons and former Chorister shared solidarity messages in honour of the Choir.
Pioneers of the Choir were acknowledged and awards were also presented to the founder, Emerita Prof Ardayfio-Schandorf, past and present Choristers, deacons in charge, directors, organists including Mrs Mawuyrami Ocloo, First Female Choir Director\Organist, Solomon Allotey Pappoe, former Choir Master\Organist, Edwin Asante, current organist among others who, through dedication and service, have built and sustained the legacy being celebrated by the Choir.
An award was also presented to the current Choir Master, Witsfield Kwabla, a distinguished Ghanaian Musician, Composer, Educator and Entrepreneur through whose leadership, musical expertise, and unwavering dedication elevated the choir to remarkable heights in Choral Performances and Ministry.
The Choir also awarded Kwame Owusu Agyei Schandorf posthumously for his dedicated service and paid glowing tribute to other members who have passed on to glory.
There was cutting of anniversary cake to commemorate the celebration.
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
