The President of Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, has entreated political actors and party supporters to avoid engaging in derogatory and personal attacks in their political discourse.

He says the trend is unhealthy for Ghana’s democratic progress as the country gears up towards the 2024 general elections.
He was speaking at an event to climax the 60th Anniversary celebration of the church in Kumasi.

Reverend Thompson joins a list of persons calling for a more dignified and constructive engagement in Ghana’s political discourse, and entreats political actors to speak on substantive policy issues.

“Violence is not a way to achieve a coherent society. People must learn to respect the views of other people. We are asking all political parties, within and among themselves to show dignity to each other and avoid insults and monetisation of our politics. So that Ghana will have a better democratic experience,” he said.

Various sectors of Baptist congregations across the country participated in the anniversary celebration.

Congregants sang hymns, danced, and jubilated about how far the church had progressed.

Guest Speaker for the occasion, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji from the Nigerian Baptist Convention, advised the congregants to maintain their steadfastness.

“The parable about the rich man and Lazarus is characteristic of Jesus Christ trying to talk about the narrow way and the broad way. I will urge you all to hold on to the right path,” he said.

The church since its establishment has contributed to the moral and social fortitude of members and the larger Ghanaian population.

“We join our hearts for the celebration of 60 years of the preaching of the Gospel and the salvation of souls, the disciples of believers to become true followers of Christ, and the training of our members into useful citizens, a reliable human capital for our country and our world. We are here to celebrate countless social interventions in individuals and family interventions resulting in a better society,” Reverend Thompson said.

He expressed hope that the church will continue to give alms and extend its corporate social responsibility to struggling societies in Ghana.

“All of the things we do go into a better Ghana through our 60 years of ministry. We are working very hard at getting shelter-for-worship agenda that will provide classrooms for schools in communities, hideouts to people in times of disaster,” he said.

The Ghana Baptist Convention currently has 1,346 churches in Ghana.