For the past 14 years, the Asante Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has had the singular privilege of worshiping with the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on the first day of January each year.

This year’s New Year Service with Otumfuo was quite exceptional. The new Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye was officially introduced to the Asantehene at the event.

It was also graced by two former Moderators; Very Rev Prof Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mantey and Very Rev Sam Prempeh, Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Dr Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor. Also in attendance were; Rev Samuel Kwasi Ahima-Yeboah (Asante Presbytery Chairperson), Rev Benson Osafo Kantanka (immediate past Asante Presbytery Chairperson), Rev Samuel Adu Gyamfi (Asante Presbytery Clerk), Mrs Betty Asare (Presbytery Lay Rep), and Ministers of the Asante Presbytery.

The event was also attended by the various singing groups in the Presbytery including the Presbytery Choirs’ Union, Basel Missionary Chorale and Singing Bands Union. Group leaders and their members were equally represented; Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Young Adults’ Fellowship and the Young People’s Guild.

The New Year Service offers the opportunity to pray for the Asantehene, the royal family and the Traditional Council  and commit them to God’s protection, pray for His grace, peace, love and prosperity for Asanteman as they welcome a new year.

In his Sermon, Immediate past Moderator, Very Rev Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mantey said he was marveled by the humility of the Asantehene. He urged Presbyterians and Christians in entirety to demonstrate Loving Kindness; that is, they are to show true love that emanates from the heart.

Rt. Rev Dr. Abraham Opare Kwakye, the new Moderator in his brief address thanked the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and traditional leaders in the Kingdom for their unflinching support since the establishment of the PCG.

He assured the King of the Church’s unceasing prayer for the King and promised the full participation of the General Assembly of the PCG in the 25 Anniversary celebrations of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on the Golden Stool.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on his part expressed gratitude to the PCG, particularly the Asante Presbytery for holding the New Year Service for him and the Kingdom for 14 consecutive years.

He asked the Church to worship with him on the 26th April this year, which marks exactly 25 years of his enstoolment on the Golden Stool. He was thrilled by the melodious voices of the Presbytery Choir and asked them to sing for him on the occasion.

-ENDS-

George Addo