20th November 2018 

The Moderator elect of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante accompanied by Very Rev. Dr. Sam Prempeh, a Former Moderator of General Assembly, Rev. Benson Osafo Kantanka and Rev. Benjamin Sabi Otchere, Chairperson and Clerk of Asante Presbytery, respectively and some Senior Ministers from Asante Presbytery paid a curtesy call on Kokofu Manhene, Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II on the 19^th November, 2018.

The visit marked the Moderator’s first official visit to his hometown, Kokofu, after his election as the Moderator of PCG. The visit was to formally introduce to the Kokofumanhene the Moderator elect, the Asante Presbytery Chairperson and Clerk,   appreciate his support to the expansion of Christ’s Kingdom, and also invite him to the Induction Service of the 18^th Moderator of General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Mr. David Boakye Kessie, Asante Presbytery Lay Rep on GAC was the spokesperson for the visiting team.

Barima on Rev. Mante

In 1982, when Barima lost his father, they had a service at Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI). It was Rev. J. O. Y. Mante who ministered so powerfully to them. Everyone present at the service was elated. Barima showed how he has been following the ministry of Rev. Mante to this time of election. His ministry at Obuasi, travelling for further studies, lecturing at then Trinity College and rising to be the President of the Seminary and now his new office.

Rev. Ministers at the gathering in photograph with Barima

Barima and Ministry

In ministry, Barima has been a lay preacher not only in Ghana but in Nigeria and Liberia as well. Under his reign, the Kokofu Traditional Council in collaboration with Great Commission has formed an Evangelical group which goes to villages and towns to reach out to people for Christ. Last year, they established 15 congregations.

Barima’s Hearty Request

He further made a solemn plea to the Reverend Ministers gathered to fervently pray for all traditional leaders, especially Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, his nephew. He opined that Otumfuo has his heart to Christ and the Church.

Barima added that, there are some things all Asante traditional leaders must observe keenly;

• Giving their stools to Christ whiles they sit on His laps,
• Not get drowned with excessive power
• Working so hard for the generation to come instead of themselves.

He has observed how some traditional leaders lavishing in luxurious cars. This, he added, is actually not what is needed but our children’s education, their work and livelihood must be the priority.

Gifts from Barima

Presentations

The church presented boxes of Salem water and bottles of wine to Barima and his council. Finally, the invitation card was handed to Him. He whole-heartedly accepted and promised to be present and even come along with his horn blowers “ntahra” to display at the ceremony if permitted.

Barima gave to the Moderator elect, a huge ram, six crates of eggs and a cloth. He wished him well in his new office and asked Very Rev. Rtd. Dr. Sam Prempeh to be his coach since he has been in that office before. Rev. Sam Prempeh assured Barima that, he is ever ready to support and discussions started.

Barima welcoming Rev. Prof JOY Mante

Response

In his response, Rev. Mante expressed his mixed feelings quoting Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who said, “I am joyfully sad.” Filled with sorrow he had wished his beloved mother Mama Mante were alive to witness this beautiful gesture. He thanked Barima and his council for the warm reception, support and the wonderful gifts.

A Prayer was said by Rev. Benson Osafo Kantanka for all traditional rulers in the Asante Kingdom that Christ rules through them and for Barima and his council to prosper in God’s blessings. Very Rev. Rt. Dr. Sam Prempeh blessed the gathering.

Story by: Rev. E. Ahenkan Owusu