Accra: The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to national development with the launch of a five-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing socio-economic activities across the country. This announcement was made by Reverend Dr. Godwin Kofi Ahlijah, the GEMA President, at the Association's 34th Annual General Meeting in Accra, gathering mission leaders from various organisations nationwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ahlijah highlighted key activities undertaken by GEMA over the past year, underscoring the Association's dedication to spreading the gospel and equipping missionaries with essential resources. He noted that despite challenges, GEMA had made significant strides in promoting unity among churches and fostering effective mission strategies.
A central element of his report was the introduction of the comprehensive five-year strategic plan, which emphasized several thematic areas, including capacity building for missionaries, digital evangelism, church planting, and strengthening partnerships with both local and international mission organisations. Dr. Ahlijah stated, "We are entering a new phase of growth and impact, where we must leverage technology, collaboration, and innovation to advance the work of the gospel."
Dr. Ahlijah called attention to the importance of structured training programs to equip missionaries with modern tools for effective evangelism in a rapidly changing world. He asserted that churches have played a significant role in Ghana's socio-economic development, particularly in education, healthcare, and community development. He remarked, "People don't realise that the church has been a fulcrum to socio-economic development in this country. In fact, without the church, Ghana wouldn't have been Ghana."
He cited contributions from mission agencies affiliated with GEMA, such as Gilbert Bible Translators and Fuel Vision, which provided scripture access in indigenous languages, and Meaningful Life International, which delivered healthcare and clean water to rural communities. Dr. Ahlijah called for a renewed partnership between the church and the government, acknowledging that while the state played a crucial role in development, it could not accomplish everything alone. He urged government collaboration with mission agencies to reach underserved communities and accelerate national progress, stating, "For those who think government is a magic wand, it is not. Government needs the church."
He also mentioned the necessity of integrating faith with everyday life, ensuring that Christian values extend beyond the church into workplaces across the country. Rev. Enoch Thompson, Vice Chairman of the Peace Council, elaborated on the concept of building missionary connections between those who have received the gospel and those yet to hear it. He emphasized that missionary connections are formed primarily through people, by identifying key individuals within communities who are open to the gospel, such as local leaders, influential youth, or respected elders, who could facilitate gospel penetration into communities. The Vice Chairman cautioned missionaries to seek proper endorsement from these key stakeholders before entering a community to avoid resistance.
