Ghana
Date Entered: 1994
Major Ministries: Church Planting, Discipleship, Theological Education, Baptist Academy of Theology in Africa (BATA)
Country Profile
More than 60% of Ghana is dominated by the Volta River Basin. Lake Volta, located between the Volta Region and the Eastern Region, extends 250 miles in length behind the Akosombo Dam.
Much of the early history of Ghana revolved around trade in gold, ivory, slaves, and salt. Ghana became the first black African colony to receive its independence in 1957, and it has been a democratic multi-party system since 1992.
Although a large percentage of the population is nominally Christian, only few attend church regularly. Protestant groups have been working in Ghana for almost a century, but for the most part they are liberal. A form of Animism is voodooism which is practiced hand in hand with Christianity. Numerous indigenous cults have arisen with a distinct appeal and just enough truth to lead many astray. Buddhism is growing in popularity. The charismatic movement is attracting many young people through schools and universities. Biblical truths need to be taught.
ABWE first entered Ghana with the goal of reaching unchurched Ghanaians in the Volta Region with the gospel, before branching out into other parts of the country. The primary effort is establishing evangelistic, reproducing Baptist churches. The Baptist Academy of Theology in Africa is helping train national leaders to partner with the missionaries in establishing strong Biblical churches.
As churches of the Volta Region begin reproducing, ABWE wants to reach out to Ghana’s eight other regions.
Additional workers are needed to model and train national leaders in discipleship and evangelism. Educators and practical trainers are needed to teach in BATA and in church institutes. These individuals will help produce a generation of godly Ghanaians, established in indigenous, nationally-led churches, reproducing other Biblical churches.