St. louis: The World Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has elected Professor Robert Osei Bonsu, a Ghanaian pastor and scholar, as one of its Vice Presidents during the ongoing General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America. His appointment marks him as the second Ghanaian to reach such a high-ranking position within the Church's General Conference, succeeding Pastor Matthew Bediako who served as Secretary for over a decade.
According to Ghana News Agency, before his current appointment, Prof Osei Bonsu was the President of the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) of the SDA Church, overseeing 22 countries across West and Central Africa. Prof Osei Bonsu, a theologian and administrator, brings decades of experience in pastoral ministry, theological education, and institutional management to his new global leadership role.
Ordained in August 1998, Prof Osei Bonsu has held multiple roles both in Ghana and internationally, including Associate Professor of Historical and Theological Studies, Dean, and PhD Programme Coordinator at the Adventist University of Africa in Kenya. He also served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of Valley View University from 2002 to 2018, and as Rector of its Techiman campus.
His tenure as President of the West-Central Africa Division began in June 2022, during which he initiated the WAD IMPACT 2025 evangelistic drive, focusing on gospel outreach, family strengthening, youth empowerment, and community transformation. Under his leadership, the Division experienced a five per cent membership growth, with more than 42,000 baptisms recorded in one year, despite socio-political challenges.
Prof Osei Bonsu is noted for his commitment to integrating faith and learning. He is widely respected for his leadership and academic contributions, frequently participating in international conferences and seminars. His new role includes supporting the Church's global administrative coordination, mentoring church leaders worldwide, and advancing strategic initiatives aligned with the Church's mission.
During a visit to Burkina Faso in July 2024, Prof Osei Bonsu demonstrated his commitment to holistic ministry by promoting peace and social development in collaboration with church structures and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
Dr Nana Sifa Twum, an Elder of the SDA Church and Media and Communications Consultant, hailed Prof Osei Bonsu's election as 'historic and inspiring,' emphasizing its significance for Ghanaian Adventists and the broader Ghanaian society. He highlighted the professor's influence on theological training, pastoral preparation, church growth, and public engagement across the West-Central African region.
Dr Sifa Twum, who also serves as the Acting Board Chairman of the Ghana News Agency, expressed confidence that Prof Osei Bonsu would continue to advocate for theological integrity and biblical faithfulness, along with doctrinal purity. Promoting education and youth engagement will be key priorities, with an emphasis on supporting Adventist universities in Africa and investing in youth leadership development and mentorship programs.
