Groups

Young People's Guild

Formation
The Young People’s Guild of the Presbyterian Church of the then Gold Coast and Trans-Volta Togoland was founded by Mr. Andrew M. Atkinson assisted by a group of young men and women whom we have since come to adore and revere as the founding fathers of the guild. Mr. A.M. Atkinson, a Scottish Missionary arrived in the Gold Coast in the 1930s. As a former member of the youth wing of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland he was enthused with a strong determination to set up a virile Christian youth movement within the Presbyterian Church in this country which could find expression in serving their Lord.

With the assistance of an indomitable young man in the person of D.A. Puplampu of blessed memory, Mr. Atkinson established the first branch Guild at Odumase-Krobo in 1937, followed by other branch Guilds at Adabraka, Accra Central, Suhum, Koforidua, Nsawam and Kukurantumi. The Guild at Osu was the 7th Guild to be formed by Mr. Atkinson with the assistance of a group of young men and women led by the late Rev.? A.E. Bannerman. The 3rd day of June 1938 could be conveniently termed the birthday of the Osu Guild. On that memorable day, the foundation members at a formal meeting held at the Presbyterian Middle School (now the Secondary School) resolved to form the nucleus of the men’s section of the Guild. Later, a branch was formed exclusively for women on the 29th June 1938. The women and men’s sections met separately on Wednesdays and Fridays. When the first term ended on 31st October 1938, a total of 29 meetings had been held.

The two guilds functioned separately for a few more months but it was later decided to merge the men and women’s sections. At meetings of the Guild, members discussed general business of the Guild, the children’s service and the Sunday school. Other matters that engaged their attention were, inter alia, the financial situation of the church and how to get church members to help. The women took up sewing, knitting and cookery etc. So healthy and lively were the deliberations and activities of the Guild that by January 1939 (within 6 months) the Guild had a total membership of 60 men and 39 women.

First Delegates Conference
The young but virile and energetic Osu Guild was called upon to host the 1st Delegates Conference of the National Young People’s Guild. The conference was held at the then Middle School from 6th to 9th January 1939. Two delegates attended from each of the eight newly formed Guilds at Odumase, Adabraka, Accra, Nsawam, Suhum, Koforidua, Kukurantumi and Osu.

It was at that conference that the eight Guilds agreed to work together in a well-knitted federation. The conference agreed on a general aim and the Guild thereafter geared her action towards providing and promoting the spiritual, educational and social welfare of the young peoples of the Presbyterian Church of the Gold Coast and Trans-Volta Togoland with a view to sharing actively in the work and life of the church. The conference also adopted the Guild’s pithy, terse and inspiring Motto: “TO KNOW HIS WILL AND TO DO IT”.

It is with considerable pride and pleasure that we recall that the first delegates conference did not only choose Osu as the Headquarters of the National Guild but also went further to elect two of her members namely late Rev. A.E. Bannerman and the Late D.A. Puplampu as the 1st National General President and General Secretary of the Guild respectively with Mr. A.M. Atkinson as the Organizing Secretary. The National Guild thus owed her existence to the organizing ability and leadership of those officers. In brief, Osu could justifiably be described as the cradle of the Guild.

Second Delegates Conference
In January 1940, the Osu Guild hosted the 2nd Delegates Conference. These two conferences gave life, force and expression to the National Guild. The Osu Guild provided the National Guild with a rich reservoir of experienced mature leaders from which delegates and visitors to the headquarters drew strength, inspiration and determination and returned to their stations to propagate the good tidings of the Guild.

The Osu Guild grew from strength to strength and was commissioned to open a public library and youth hostel at the Headquarters building. It thus happened that when Accra, the capital of the Gold Coast had no public library, the Osu Guild could boast of a small but well equipped public and lending library where young men and women often spent their leisure hours.

Challenges
When all was set for smooth sailing, a number of difficulties crept in; the major ones included:

  1. The gathering war clouds and the declaration of the 2nd World War with attendant mobilization of young men into the army to serve in East-Africa, Burma etc. The blackouts between 1942-1945 made it impossible for meetings to be held after 6.30 p.m.
  2. With the cessation of hostilities in 1945, the country was ushered into a period of political agitation for independence. This had its toll on the Guild as the interests and attention of members were diverted elsewhere. Frictions and mistrust developed between the youth and the church elders. In 1954 there was an open confrontation when the authorities at the Church Head Office forcibly seized the Guild Headquarters and converted that ramshackle building into an official residence for the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church.

As could be expected, the difficulties which erupted through no fault of the Guild, had adverse effects on the life of the Guild and it almost foundered on the rocks in the turbulent sea.

The Guild is proud to note that, several Reverend Ministers both old and young have had their call through the developmental teachings of the Osu Y.P.G. These include late Rev. A.E. Bannerman, late Rev. J.E. Graham and Rev. S.S. Odonkor among the old Guild Members with Rev. Akwa Bonne, Rev. Nii Narh Yebuah and Rev. Neils Hesse being the young ones.

Our Branch can today boast of the formation of a Youth Band, which has been performing creditably well at Church service and other functions. This became possible through the selflessness and dedication of some elders of this congregation and the hard working members of the Y.P.G. Executive.

Men's Fellowship

Formation and Objectives
Today, as we mark the Centenary Celebrations of the Chapel, we deem it proper and fit to acknowledge and give a brief account of the distinguished role played by some personalities of the church in the formation of the Fellowship. In June 1974, the then District Pastor of Osu, the late Rev. J.E. Swanikier convened a brief meeting of all men in the church and proposed the formation of the Osu Eben-Ezer Men’s Fellowship.

It was agreed that Meeting days be Wednesdays, 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. for Bible Studies and other social activities aimed at developing the spiritual and moral aspect of the Men in the church. It was envisaged that the training would also put at the disposal of the church, a corps of`` dedicated and professional men to assist in church building.

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana owes much gratitude to those ardent and devoted men who initiated the formation of the Fellowship. They were Rev. A.E. Bannerman, Bros. E.K. Lamptey, John Addo, C.C. Wentumi, G.K. Fleischer and E.N. Dowuona all of blessed memory. Others are Bros. P.F. Lartey, A.N. Noi-Lartey, Dan T. Okutu, Michael Laryea, A.R.N. Hansen, C.K. Lartey, C.J. Bannerman, E.D.M. Sackey, Albert Amu and J.K.A. Abbey.

Membership
The admission of young men into the Fellowship accelerated the growth of the Fellowship and these young men have taken much inspiration from the elders. This enthusiasm shown by the youth became evident as other fellowships started to emulate the Osu Eben-Ezer Men’s Fellowship. The current membership is about 170.

Activities
The Osu Eben-Ezer Men’s Fellowship Choir was formed under the able leadership of the late Rev. Arthur Hesse. This vibrant choir performed at numerous functions and today it is one of the best in the Ga Presbytery. Osu Men’s Fellowship played a very important role during the formation of the Ga Presbytery Men’s Fellowship. It was not surprising therefore that Bro. Alex Noi-Lartey from Osu served as the First Financial Secretary for two consecutive terms.

In June 1999, the Osu Eben-Ezer Men’s Fellowship for the first time in the history of the Men’s Fellowship anywhere in the country introduced a system called the Distant Membership concept. This system sought to take the Fellowship to those who for reasons of work or distance could not attend Wednesday Meetings. Currently there are about 30 of such members.

In brief, the Executive Members of Osu Men’s Fellowship are living up to the enthusiasm and determination of the early pioneers in putting their ideas into practice and today Osu Eben-Ezer Men’s Fellowship is a model to most fellowships in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and other churches as well.

As we reflect on our Centenary Celebrations, we wish to reiterate our commitment in pursuing God’s work, and call on all Men of the Presbyterian Church to put their shoulders to the wheel. Let this slogan be your guide – FEAR NOT! FOR GOD IS WITH US.

Women's Fellowship

Formation
The Women’s Fellowship was formed in 1894 through the initiative of Madam Regina Akweley Hesse who later became Mrs. Regina Rottman, wife to Rev. Rottman, a Basel Missionary and first Accountant of U.T.C. (Ghana) Ltd.

At the initial stages, meetings were held at Osu Amaganaa when the chapel was at Amanfong. The fellowship was formally inaugurated in 1895 and its prime objective as of now is the study of the scriptures as well as the spread of the gospel.

Growth and Development
Apart from Mrs. Regina Rottman, the wives of other missionaries and some trained indigenous women assisted in building up the fellowship. Alongside the religious studies, the women were given some vocational training, particularly, in dressmaking.

With time, the fellowship grew from strength to strength and presently its membership is about 266.

In early 1930, it was found necessary to split it into six classes for operational reasons and based on members’ areas of residence. Thus as at now we have the following classes: Kinkawe, Ashanti, Amanfong, Alata, Anarhor and Oso Doku. There are also the Salem Class which caters for workers and Ebenezer Class for young women.

Out of Station Services
The fellowship at Kaajaaano, Mamobi, Osu-North and Haatso/Papao were nurtured by the Osu Central Fellowship. Currently those at Bethlehem and Agbogba are under its tutelage.

Matters of general interest
For administrative reasons, the Church Headquarters established the Women’s Work Central Committee (WWCC) in 1943 to look after the interest of the fellowship nationwide. Members from Osu Eben-Ezer have served on it from time to time.

Osu takes great pride in the fact that the national white uniform of the fellowship was designed by it and adopted in 1936.

Community Service
One of the major strengths of the Women’s Fellowship is the variety of opportunities it offers to its members to advance their personal knowledge and acquire practical life skills while at the same time pursuing an active interest in service to the community. In this regard, it has adopted the male ward at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and also contributes to the upkeep of the Osu Maternity Home.It cannot be gainsaid that the Women’s Fellowship currently constitutes and has always been the bulwark and mainstay of the congregation.

To the Glory of the Eternal God and by His Grace, the Osu Women’s Fellowship celebrated its hundredth anniversary in 1995. The mustard seed which was put in the soil at Amaganaa in 1894 germinated, blossomed and is still bearing fruits which satisfy not only physical but the spiritual needs of many in the Osu community.Glory be to God.

While expressing our gratitude to the illustrious pioneers through whose inspiration, perseverance and dedication the fellowship was firmly established, it is our fervent hope that under its present and future executive officers it will continue to flourish and attain greater heights.

Bible Study and Prayer Group

Formation and Objectives
The Osu Bible Study and Prayer Group came into being in the early seventies following Synod’s acceptance of the movement already operating elsewhere in the Church since 1968. In its early stages, the group went through difficult times in its effort to have its existence well established and maintained in order to gain the church’s recognition. However by the grace of God, and through the relentless effort and dedication of members such as Bros. F.L.N. Adumuah, E.K. Kwashie, the late Mrs. Eugenia Fofo Bannerman, Mrs. Anna Bannerman-Lawson, Madam Helena Dapaah, Mrs. Juliana Ayettey and Mrs. Virginia Anum, the long sought for recognition finally came.

As its name implies, the objectives of the group are primarily to promote serious study of the Bible and organisation of prayers for all and sundry.

Inauguration and activities
The group was formally inaugurated in 1984, but shortly thereafter, a leadership crisis erupted as old age and its attendant repercussions adversely affected its activities. Between 1990 and 1992 the turning point came at long last when the aged made way for younger blood with members such as Mesdames Comfort Hammond, Gertrude Lamptey, Gladys Brown, Margaret Adotey and Messrs. Emmil Chei, Laud Hammond and Francis Arku appearing at the helm of affairs.

From then, the group pursued its objectives with vigour and enthusiasm and made its presence felt in the church. It celebrated its 10th and 15th anniversaries in 1994 and 1999 respectively.

Currently the BSPG is one of the very vibrant groups at Osu Eben-Ezer. It functions in close collaboration with the Evangelism and Lay Training Committee (ELTC).

Children's Service

Formation:The formation of the Children’s Service was brought about by the early pioneers who felt the need for providing a separate form of worship for the children who accompanied their parents to Sunday adult service. Without any delay, effect was given to this noble idea and on 21st December 1921, the Children’s Service became operative.

The history of the Children’s Service cannot be complete without mentioning the following key persons who devoted their time to nurturing it.

  1. Miss Hogarth, Secretary to Dr. A.W. Wilkie of the Scottish Mission in the country at the time – Founder
  2. Miss I.P. Ross, who took over from Miss Hogarth as Secretary to Dr. A.W. Wilkie – Co-founder
  3. Rev. L.L. Richter, Minister in charge of Ebenezer congregation, and a keen supporter.
  4. Rev. A.A. Holm, then Headmaster of Osu Salem who assisted with organising teachers and pupils to help in running the Children’s Service.

Also worth mentioning are three teachers, namely: Rev. Albert Cleland, Mr. E.K. Borbitey and Rev. E.M.L. Odjidja. Others are Justice Nii Amaa Ollenu, (Speaker of the National Assembly in the 2nd Republic), Messrs A.K. Tawiah, (from Kpone Bawaleshie), J.K. Adoteye, (from Osu) Theodore Lartey (Osu) and Rev. E.A. Adjei (La).

The first service for the children was held on 21st November, 1921. The date has since then been regarded as the birth date of the Children’s Service. To equip the teachers, training classes were organized by the founders of Fridays at 5 o’clock in the evening. It is on record that Children’s Service teachers who did not attend the training classes were not allowed to teach the children on the subsequent Sundays. The practice is still vague today.

Resuscitation
The early passion displayed by the founders and those who helped in the running of the Children’s Service began to wane through transfers of the teachers and the death of almost all the pioneers including the Scottish Missionaries who conceived this grand idea. In 1930, the need to resuscitate the Children’s Service became apparent due to the mounting nuisance caused by the children who went to church with their parents. Consequent upon representations made to Synod by the late Rev. L.L. Richter and Mr. A.S. Wentum in 1930, the Children’s Service was accorded a national status in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Membership
On the average, eight hundred children attend service regularly. This number rises to about four thousand on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter. Children of over twelve years of age are transferred to the Junior Youth Group after the usual graduation ceremony.

Leaders
Currently the Children’s Service has about seventy trained leaders who have voluntarily offered to help bring up the children under Christian principles.

Outreach
The Children’s Service played no mean role in the formation of the Ga Presbytery Children’s Service Leaders Union in 1956 with the late Mr. Adzin Bonne as its first President. Its main objective was to organise the training of leaders/teachers for the work. This move led to the formation of the Children’s Desk at the Head Office.

Growth
The Children’s Service is still growing and continues to feed the Junior Youth (JY) regularly. Furthermore the dedication and zeal with which the leaders/teachers carry out their work have contributed immensely towards making it a model for other churches in the country. Indeed their pleasure is in the realisation of their prime objective –

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Boy's Brigade

Formation
The Boys' Brigade movement at Osu was started in 1911 by Rev. H.N. Anang with the nucleus from Salem. It can well be described as the training ground for the youth in the Church to inculcate in them the spirit of self discipline and service. From the late thirties up to the late forties the movement was almost defunct. Fortunately, however, in 1952 the Brigade was re-born, this time in Accra at the Wesley Methodist Church.

Shortly after Ghana's independence in 1957, the movement was revived at the Osu Presbyterian Church with the establishment of the 4th Accra Company of the Boys' Brigade and the 2nd Accra Company of the Girls' Brigade. The two brigades were first captained by Mr. Edwin N. Tetteh and the late Mrs. Azu respectively, and the first enrolment service was held in April 1958.

Membership
Initially membership was open to only boys and girls in schools around the Eben-Ezer Chapel. However in accordance with the Church's present Youth Policy, membership is now open to all boys and girls, near and far.

Activities
The movement is now firm on the ground, and following a revival programme in 1994, the Brigades have been performing satisfactorily. Some of the activities in which they had participated are training courses, workshops, seminars, enrolment services, Bible classes, church parades, community services, camping, Head of State Awards Scheme, fire fighting etc. etc.

In the course of these activities, they were awarded certificates, badges and trophies. Also some of their officers were elevated to District and Regional positions. For instance, the Captain, Mr. George Botchway, was once the District Organizer, District Chairman, and currently the Regional Skill Development and Awards Co-ordinator; the former Secretary of the Boys' Brigade, Mr. Ezra Mingle, was once District Secretary, Vice Chairman, and currently Training Officer and Regional Junior Section Co-ordinator; and Mr. Michael Ayettey is currently the District Secretary.

Appreciation
The Brigades are highly appreciative of the immense support given to them by the Church. This has tremendously enhanced their growth and performance over the years.

Appreciation is also hereby shown for the services of the following officials:


Captains - Boys: Mr. Edwin N. Tetteh
Mr. J.E.T. Dottey
Mr. Bismark Adom Nathan
Mr. Isaac A. Quarcoo
Mr. George K. Botchway
Captains - Girls: Mrs. Azu
Mrs. Nora Bannerman-Mensah
Madam Margaret Kotey
Chaplains Rev. Francis Botchway
Rev. E.A. Ashitey
Rev. E.A. Amarkwei
Rev. E. Adjei-Mantey

Girl's Brigade

Formation
The Boys' Brigade movement at Osu was started in 1911 by Rev. H.N. Anang with the nucleus from Salem. It can well be described as the training ground for the youth in the Church to inculcate in them the spirit of self discipline and service. From the late thirties up to the late forties the movement was almost defunct. Fortunately, however, in 1952 the Brigade was re-born, this time in Accra at the Wesley Methodist Church.

Shortly after Ghana's independence in 1957, the movement was revived at the Osu Presbyterian Church with the establishment of the 4th Accra Company of the Boys' Brigade and the 2nd Accra Company of the Girls' Brigade. The two brigades were first captained by Mr. Edwin N. Tetteh and the late Mrs. Azu respectively, and the first enrolment service was held in April 1958.

Membership
Initially membership was open to only boys and girls in schools around the Eben-Ezer Chapel. However in accordance with the Church's present Youth Policy, membership is now open to all boys and girls, near and far.

Activities
The movement is now firm on the ground, and following a revival programme in 1994, the Brigades have been performing satisfactorily. Some of the activities in which they had participated are training courses, workshops, seminars, enrolment services, Bible classes, church parades, community services, camping, Head of State Awards Scheme, fire fighting etc. etc.

In the course of these activities, they were awarded certificates, badges and trophies. Also some of their officers were elevated to District and Regional positions. For instance, the Captain, Mr. George Botchway, was once the District Organizer, District Chairman, and currently the Regional Skill Development and Awards Co-ordinator; the former Secretary of the Boys' Brigade, Mr. Ezra Mingle, was once District Secretary, Vice Chairman, and currently Training Officer and Regional Junior Section Co-ordinator; and Mr. Michael Ayettey is currently the District Secretary.

Appreciation
The Brigades are highly appreciative of the immense support given to them by the Church. This has tremendously enhanced their growth and performance over the years.

Appreciation is also hereby shown for the services of the following officials:


Captains - Boys: Mr. Edwin N. Tetteh
Mr. J.E.T. Dottey
Mr. Bismark Adom Nathan
Mr. Isaac A. Quarcoo
Mr. George K. Botchway
Captains - Girls: Mrs. Azu
Mrs. Nora Bannerman-Mensah
Madam Margaret Kotey
Chaplains Rev. Francis Botchway
Rev. E.A. Ashitey
Rev. E.A. Amarkwei
Rev. E. Adjei-Mantey

Junior Youth

INTRODUCTION
The Presbyterian Junior Youth Ministry which now echoes the voice of teenagers with a great hope of sustainability of the ideas of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana could be accepted as a divine directive. Until 1982 the organization of young people who graduated from Children’s Service was more of an allusion than a reality.

Main Concerns
Although Synod in 1938 adopted the Young People’s Guild (Y.P.G.) as the tool of the church for youth formation, it did not conceive the development of the younger person before the age of the Y.P.G. The major concern was among other things “What happens to the child, after “Thirteen class (12 years in Children’s Service) and Y.P.G. (16 years for enrolment) a difference of four (4) serious formative years. Who takes care of him/her”.

In the thinking of the Youth Council of the Church during 1980-82, it became evident that there was the need for an effective policy for a well organized and systematic programme for a Christian growth of the individual - from the cradle to the grave, an all embracing Christian Education Policy – a policy that would embrace more than what happened in the classroom; it would include factual information, involving our attitudes, wills and actions. (Reference: “Proposed Youth Policy, 1982”)

The Youth Council trying to arrest the situation proposed the formation of a pre-YPG group christened the Junior Youth (Junior “Y”). The teenage group was supposed to embrace generally pupils in middle and secondary schools and all others up to the age of 18. (Proposed Youth Policy pg 11)

THE FOUNDATION OF OSU EBEN-EZER JUNIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
It is pertinent to state that those congregations in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana which availed themselves for leadership training programmes are in the lime-light of the Junior “Y” Fellowship.

It is not surprising therefore to consider the Osu Eben-Ezer Junior “Y” Fellowship as the symbol of what could be done for the youth. The Congregational Youth Committee of Osu at its third meeting on 30th January, 1986 met four representatives from the Children’s Service leadership on the formation of a Junior “Y” at Osu. The Children’s Service delegation informed the committee that they had already written to Session on the issue and approval had been given. They disclosed that 8th February 1986 had been earmarked for the first Junior “Y” Service to take place but since the Youth Committee had been formed, they decided to pass through the right channel before continuing with the formation.

The delegation was, at this point made to understand that according to the proposals of the new Youth Policy, the organization of the Junior “Y” should not be under one particular group. The Youth Committee was therefore working towards it and an invitation would be extended to Church members to be trained as leaders. Children’s Service leaders were assured that they would not be left out during that time. The Youth Committee made up of the following members:

Bro. Neils Hesse (now Revd.) Chairman
Bro. Joseph Dottey Secretary
Sis. Hazel Saka-Adotey Financial Secretary
Bro. Chiringa Bannerman (Now Cat.)
Bro. E. L. Lamptey
Sis. Love Palm
Bro. Sammy Tagoe (co-opted member)
Mr. E. R. Tetteh (late Session Representative)

therefore contacted some individuals and the first training Session was held on Saturday, 8th February 1986 at the Presbyterian Boys’ Primary School. Bro, E. Kissiedu-Ayi (now Revd.) the acting Presbytery Youth Co-ordinator with support from some brethren including Rev. Philip Laryea, Mr. Neils Hesse(now Rev.), Mr. Emmanuel Tawiah and Mr. E. D. Sowah were the facilitators.

These seminars helped greatly to formulate the Junior “Y” programme which were initiated by a committee formed by the Ga Presbyterial Committee of the Y.P.G. and gingered the publication of the three hand-books for Junior “Y” edited by Rev. Neils Hesse.

Upon a letter written to Session by the Children’s Service leaders who were not happy with the turn of events, Rev. Kissiedu-Ayi, was invited to Session to explain the concept to all concerned including the Children’s Service leaders and the Youth Committee.

First Service and Other Programmes
After the necessary ground work and preparations for the formation of the Junior “Y” had been completed with more assistance from the Rev. Philip Laryea, Session gave the green light and the first Junior Y service was held on Sunday 27th July, 1986 at the old site of the Presbyterian Secondary School Assembly Hall. Rev. Laryea preached the sermon and attendance was marvelous.

On 23rd August, 1986 the Saturday programme was started and Thursday training sessions for the leaders intensified.

The membership increased rapidly and the Assembly Hall became too small for Sunday Service. Upon the advice of the late Rev. Peter Maugbi Kodjo, the J.Y. service was moved to the Presbyterian Girls’ Middle School Hall. Ushers were appointed from the membership and the first batch was dedicated and installed on 16th December, 1990 by Mrs. Hazel Saka-Adotey. They were Christopher Lokko (Hesse Group), Elizabeth Sai (Reindorf Group) and Michael Ayettey (Clerk Group).

In the year 2000, the JY Service was moved to the Osu Neighbourhood Centre due to environmental problems. The heat at the Neighbourhood Centre was unbearable and on several occasions the members fainted. On the advice of the late Dr. G. A. Tagoe and pressure from the leaders, Session granted the use of the church hall in the year 2007 to date.

Inauguration
The Osu Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Junior “Y” was inaugurated on 29th March, 1987 amid fun fare. There was a procession through the principal streets of Osu before the service. Rev. Kissiedu-Ayi delivered the inaugural address and the late Rev. C. K. Sackey, the then District Pastor dedicated the Youth and the leaders. At the same service the newly elected executive officers were inducted into office. Thus Osu Junior “Y” became the second JY Fellowship in the Ga Presbytery after La Nativity and the fourth in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUNIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP LIST OF EXECUTIVES
PRESIDENTS SECRETARIES YEAR
Mr. Emmanuel T. Tawiah Mr. Victor Charles Manieson 1988
Mr. Emmanuel T. Tawiah Ms. Josephine Schandorf 1989
Mr. Victor Charles Manieson Ms. Love Palm 1990
Ms. Love Palm Ms. Emma Attey 1991
Ms. Love Palm Ms. Christie Anum 1992
Mr. John Ananse Baiden Ms. Sarah M. K. Mensah 1993-1994
Mr. John Ananse Baiden Ms. Sarah M. K. Mensah 1995-1996
Ms. Sarah M. K. Mensah Mrs. Gertrude Ananse-Baiden 1997-1998
Mr. Samuel Tagoe Ms. Emma Attey 1999 - 2000
Ms. Mercy Anum Ms. Emma Attey 2001 - 2002
Mr. Samuel Aflamah Mr. Daniel Awuku 2003 - 2004
Mr. Samuel Aflamah Mrs. Matilda Opoku-Osae 2005 - 2007
Mr. Daniel Awuku Ms. Harriet Adjetey 2008 –2013
Mr. Michael Wellington Mr. Alfred Aryee 2013- to date

Church Choir

Formation
The Osu Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Church Choir which was formed in July 1937 is the third to be established in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana following those of Kumasi Ramsayer and Accra Resurrection. Its prime objective was (and still is) to lead the congregation in singing at church services.

The foundation members numbered eighty (80) with the lateMessrs T.A. Lartey and C.J. Magnusen as Choirmaster and Assistant Choirmaster respectively. Also worth mentioning among the early pioneers are Mr. H.E. Richter, Organist; Mr. John Addo, Assistant Organist; Mrs. Caroline Quartey, Choir Mistress; Mrs. Eva Johnson, Assistant Choir Mistress; Mr. T.S. Clerk, Choir President; Mr. C.A. Dagadu, Secretary; and Mrs. Juliana Larsen, Treasurer, all of blessed memory.

Dedication
After going through steady training, grooming and preparation, the Choir was dedicated on 14th November 1937 by the late Rev. L.L. Richter, then Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. He was assisted by the late Rev. H.N. Anang, then Pastor in Charge of Osu.

Services
In line with its objective, the Choir has since its formation played the role of leading the congregation in singing at Sunday Church services as well as at weddings and funeral services. It also organises musical concerts and carol services on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas.

Membership and Management
Currently the Choir has a membership of about 150, of which 120 are active. In view of its position as an important service group within the Church, Session has established a board to manage its affairs to ensure that its role remains focused and dynamic. The present Choir Board consists of twelve members with Dr. Emmanuel Evans-Anfom as its Chairman; and the other members include Mr. Vincent Richter, Choirmaster, and Col. Chris Bampoe, Organist.

It is the wish of all that the Church Choir will continue to flourish, live up to expectation, and play its noble role to the glory of the Lord and satisfaction of the Osu congregation.

Singing Band

Formation
The formation of the Singing Band was the outcome of the collective efforts of some elderly members of the congregation, namely Mrs. Letitia Omaboe, Mrs. Emma Brown, Mrs. Edith Odoi-Sykes, Messrs E.F. Nortei-Adu, E.V.T. Badger and S.T. Tetteh (deceased).

Inauguration
The band became a reality in October 1992 but was formally inaugurated on 21st March 1993 with seventy foundation members. Singing practices commenced in earnest after a well-wisher had presented them with a set of drums and the services of a musical instructor had been procured.

Service and Growth
The Singing Band is a service group. It performs mostly during pre-worship and offertory times. It also performs at other functions and ceremonies in the Church. The enthusiasm of members is high and as at now their numerical strength is about one hundred and twenty.

THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (I.B.R.A.)

Preamble

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Origins
Great things have small beginnings and a journey of many miles, it is said begins with a single step. The truth of this observation is demonstrated by the history of the I.B.R.A.

Founded wholly by the late Charles Walters, the Association began in 1882 as a Bible Studies and Reading Group in London. It has come a long way since then with many branches worldwide, and become a truly renowned International Association.

In 1926, I.B.R.A. was introduced to Ghana (formerly Gold Coast) through the dedication and commitment of such eminent pioneers as Brothers E.N.N. Otoo, C.D.K. Lokko, S.A.N. Kotey and E.N.N. Dowuona, all of blessed memory. The foundation members were: Bros. George Lathbridge, G.M. Quaye, E.A. Quaye, E. Nii Boi Tailor, and E. Okai Amu. Others were: Rev. L.L. Richter, Sis. Elizabeth Bekoe, Ashiokor Kodjoe, Janet Nortey and Agnes Kai.

It is sad but also indicative of the age of our local Ghana branch that all these foundation members are no more with us. May we please give them a minute’s silence for their pioneering work. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

Dedication
The I.B.R.A was dedicated in 1927 and Coleman’s Yard became its first meeting place for regular singing practice and bible studies. After some years at Coleman’s yard, meetings were moved to Amanfon, then to “Boarding” as Osu Presec Old Site was formerly known and later to Nyonmo Wokweo. Some years after, the meetings were once again moved to Lokko House and that is where the IBRA currently meets.

During those initial years, the Association enjoyed a special relationship with the Sunday school which trained its members to be full members of the Association. In other words, before one could be a full member of the Association, he/she must undergo Sunday school training.

It is worth noting that the early Sunday Morning Prayer which is now an essential feature of Osu Eben-Ezer worship was initiated by the Association. The Association has also trained several hundreds of people in Osu to know God and do his Will.

The first singing master among the many pioneers that lifted the Association’s name to where it is now was Bro. T.O. Lartey. During his term, he led the Association to various competitions all of which were hailed as exquisite performances and were honoured with various awards. Currently, the Association has two singing masters, namely, Bro. J. A. Adjedu also a member and Bro. Duke Wilson.

Since the establishment of the Association, its performance in all church activities has been outstanding. The Association has also contributed much to the church in diverse ways. It is planning to celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year (2002) if God permits, and it is looking forward to greater performances in the future.