The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) has celebrated its 35th anniversary with a renewed focus on equipping and strengthening young missionaries.

A central aim of the celebrations is the establishment of a state-of-the-art research and training centre, dubbed “Vision 2040,” designed to provide missionaries with the skills and knowledge needed before embarking on their missions.

According to GEMA President Rev. Dr Godwin Ahlijah, identifying the right candidates for mission work has been a significant challenge, making the new training facility a vital part of the strategy.

“By 2040, GEMA aims to sponsor at least 30,000 Ghanaian missionaries, both locally and globally,” he said, highlighting the association’s goal to transform Ghana from a recipient of missionaries to a country that sends missionaries worldwide.

Since its inception, GEMA has grown to encompass over 50 mission agencies, with more expected to join.

Rev. Ahlijah emphasised the association’s tangible impact across Ghana, including initiatives such as providing freshwater wells to rural communities—a move particularly timely given concerns over water contamination and the devastating effects of galamsey activities on the nation’s water resources.

Beyond water provision, GEMA also supports Bible translation, education, healthcare, socio-economic development, and missionary leadership programs.

“Our commitment is driven by a deep-seated passion for God and gratitude for divine blessings,” he noted.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Emeritus Stephen Adei highlighted GEMA’s instrumental role in promoting mission work across the country since 1990.

He noted that GEMA has collaborated with approximately 50 church and parachurch groups to expand access to the Bible in local languages and reach unreached communities.

“The association’s efforts have yielded significant results, with missionaries now present in every region of Ghana. Institutions such as the Ghana Institute of Linguistics have been pivotal in translating the Bible into major Ghanaian languages, making scripture accessible nationwide,” Prof. Adei said.

Prof. Delanyo Adadevoh, President and Founder of the International Leadership Foundation Global, described the partnership with GEMA as a game-changer.

“Spreading the gospel is life-transforming and gives a sense of responsibility to contribute to the greater good of humanity. Collaborating with GEMA is a top-notch opportunity that everyone must seize,” he said.

The anniversary ceremony brought together dignitaries and members from Ghana and abroad, featuring vibrant celebrations and reflections on GEMA’s remarkable journey.

Fundraising for the new missionary training centres was a highlight, with contributions directed toward ultramodern facilities across Ghana and beyond.

As GEMA celebrates 35 years, the organisation reflects on its rich history of spreading love, compassion, and redemption. Vision 2040 represents a 20-year plan to deepen GEMA’s impact, enabling the church to fulfil its mandate of reaching unreached communities and partnering with mission agencies both in Ghana and globally.