President John Dramani Mahama has commended the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Reverend Stephen Wengam, for his leadership and efforts in transforming the church since assuming office.
The President said Reverend Wengam’s leadership had contributed to making the Assemblies of God Ghana one of the most popular and favoured Pentecostal denominations in the country.
Speaking at the induction of Reverend Wengam for his second term as General Superintendent, alongside the new Executive Presbytery, President Mahama praised his efforts in repositioning and positively branding the church.
“Let me commend you, Reverend Wengam, for positively branding our church. Since you assumed office as General Superintendent, A.G. Ghana in this period has become one of the most popular and most loved,” he said.
He added: “I can speak confidently, Assembly of God Ghana has become one of the most popular and most favoured Pentecostal denominations in Ghana.”
President Mahama encouraged Reverend Wengam to sustain the transformation agenda and ensure that the church’s public image reflected the experiences of people who visited its congregations.
He said members and visitors should find a welcoming environment, sound teaching and a community willing to support them during difficult times.
The President also highlighted the church’s achievements over the past four years, revealing that more than 2,000 churches had been planted and over 440 pastors trained.
He commended the church leadership, congregations and individuals whose sacrifices had contributed to the expansion of its ministry across the country.
President Mahama said Reverend Wengam’s re-election demonstrated the confidence the church had placed in his leadership, but noted that a second term also came with renewed responsibilities.
Drawing from his own experience of serving a second presidential term, he said the period offered an opportunity to build on previous achievements, address existing challenges and pay greater attention to areas requiring improvement.
“A second term offers you a distinct opportunity. The experience of the previous term provides a clearer understanding of what works, where difficulties remain, and which needs require greater attention,” he stated.
He urged the General Superintendent to strengthen local congregations, particularly smaller assemblies far from the national headquarters, and ensure that pastors and church members had opportunities to contribute to the church’s development.
The President also called for greater attention to the welfare of pastors and their families, particularly those serving in difficult circumstances and retired ministers.
He acknowledged the work of the Lordina Foundation, led by First Lady Lordina Mahama, in providing health screening, counselling and medication for retired pastors every three months.
President Mahama further encouraged the church to continue its contribution to national development through education, healthcare, community service and the mentoring of young people.
He urged professionals, entrepreneurs and artisans within the church to support young people through mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities to help them establish sustainable businesses.
He expressed confidence in the church’s continued growth and called on its leadership and members to work together towards its centenary celebration in 2031.
President Mahama said he was convinced that the church would build a centenary village to mark the milestone.
He also congratulated Reverend Wengam and the newly inducted Executive Presbytery, wishing them wisdom, patience and dedication as they begin their new term of service.
