Former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong -Manso has called for a paradigm shift in the role of churches in national development, urging them to go beyond collecting offerings to actively empowering members through job creation, skills development, and welfare support.
Speaking at the first anniversary celebration of The Paramount House Chapel International in Koforidua, Prof. Frimpong-Manso explained that the modern church must become a catalyst for economic empowerment of members.
According to him, the era where congregants only “give, give, give” must evolve into one where the church also gives back in practical ways build and create wealth among its members.
“We have to make our people create wealth by supporting the unemployed, by creating businesses and supporting them to stand firm on their feet. So churches, there is a paradigm shift. Create employment opportunities for your members, especially the teaming youth. If you do this, then they will stop Legalemse and all the other social movements that are causing problems in our nation”. Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso suggested.
He praised the Paramount House Chapel International for initiating fish farming, planning to start a school, and exploring additional income-generating ventures in reflection of expectation of a modern day church.
He advised the church leadership to consider establishing a credit union to further support members.
On national issues, Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso expressed deep concern about the increasing social menace; including illegal mining (galamsey), corruption, drug abuse, and public disorder, calling on stakeholders to take tougher decisions to deal with them.
The Paramount House Chapel International, led by its founder, Prophet Albert Asihene-Arjarquah, declared a major shift toward development-oriented ministry, announcing new commercial farming projects and youth empowerment programmes as part of its vision for “modern Christianity.”
He said contemporary Church must promote both the spiritual and physical wellbeing of its members.
He noted that the church has already begun fish farming and plans to expand into crop production, contributing to national food security.
According to Statista, Ghana spent over US$3.5 billion on food imports in 2023, a situation the Prophet Albert Asihene Arjaquah described as unsustainable and detrimental to an economy with high unemployment rate.
Prophet Albert Asihene-Arjarquah also revealed that the Church plans to establish an ultramodern school by 2026, focusing on academic excellence and religious values.
The long-term vision, he said, includes the establishment of a Secondary School and tertiary institution to support future generations.
Currently, the Church is also establishing a ultra modern FM Radio in Koforidua.
Meanwhile, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng II, Omanhene of New Juaben traditional Area, also urged churches to reflect the true image of God by promoting transformation and development in their communities.
The anniversary celebration attracted many dignitaries including Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Sammy Awuku who donated to support farming and educational plans of the church.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
