Children's Service (CS)

The Children’s Service of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Friedrich Monninger Congregation, Akosombo, was established on 22nd January 1967. Its formation followed a talk delivered by Rev. S. D. Tettey, who was then the General Youth Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, on “The Importance of Children’s Services and How to Conduct It.” Inspired by this message, three committed individuals — Mr. E. A. Asante, Mr. Agyiri, and Mr. J. T. Mensah (all of blessed memory) — volunteered to become the first teachers of the Children’s Service. The ministry began with 30 children, meeting just two days after Rev. Tettey’s address. The local session supported the newly formed ministry by purchasing essential learning and teaching aids, including Beginners, Primary, Junior Grade, and Youth Grade lessons. Later in 1967, Miss Mercy Adu, a Deaconess, joined the teaching team. Activities expanded to include hymn teaching, storytelling, play acting, and other interactive methods that helped the children grow spiritually and socially. A course on “Children Evangelism” was later organized at Trinity College, Legon, which enriched the teachers’ skills. Although teaching materials were limited at the time, several devoted brethren continued to sacrifice their time and resources to sustain the ministry, including Mrs. Felicia Frimpong and Mrs. Elizabeth Dokyi. Growth and Development The ministry saw remarkable growth as membership increased to over 200 children. Support from individuals such as Mrs. Beatrice Ohene-Okae, headteacher of the Presbyterian Primary School, helped strengthen attendance. She introduced practices such as: Awarding section marks at school to children who attended church. Providing confectionery and incentives during Children’s Service. In 1982, upon arrival, Rev. C.K. Ahorble recognized challenges facing the Children’s Service and made a passionate appeal for support. His leadership, together with the assistance of Miss Alice Adansah and Mrs. Margaret Wilson, helped bring new structure and energy into the ministry. Several other dedicated workers also contributed significantly over the years, including: Miss Joana Nanor, who helped train the children through the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade Messrs. Moses Akriku, Samuel Okuampa, Emmanuel Osabutey, Emmanuel Wilson (late), George Boamah, Samuel Djan, Rev. Adjetey Ebenezer Dei-Teye, Emmanuel Narh Misses Grace Eshun, Betty Oppong-Baah, Gladys Agyeman, Eunice Opoku-Agyeman, Abigail Amoako, Esther Yirenkyi, Christiana Yemofio, Naomi Aryee (late) Mrs. Mina Darko, who played a major role in conducting and strengthening Children’s Service activities Through their efforts, the Children’s Service continued to flourish. Current Structure & Membership Today, the Children’s Service records an average attendance of about 230 children. The ministry is divided into four groups: Toddlers: 0 – 6 years Beginners: 6 – 8 years Primary: 8 – 10 years Junior Class: 10 – 12 years The children worship in two services every Sunday: First Service: 7:00 am – 9:00 am Second Service: 9:30 am – 12:00 noon Current teachers and assistants include: Women: Paulina Asare, Ruby Osei-Akoto, Dori Asiedua Donkor, Ophelia Amandatey, Sandra Martey, Margaret Baah, Joyce Mantey, Naomi Obiri, Margaret Wilson, Susana Kodua, Emelly Asare, Gertrude Boateng, Faustina Akuffo, Alice Annor, Dina Asante, Beatrice Raymond Men: Samuel Mensah, Emmanuel Selanyo, Frank Annor, Obeng Harrison Boateng, Obiri Okyere Seth Session representatives: Mrs. Clara Mensah Mr. Ebenezer Akuffo Support from Ministers All ministers who have served the congregation have contributed greatly to nurturing the Children’s Ministry. Among them: Rev. E.T. Terkpetey Rev. Bruce Asare Rev. Ayeh Otoo Rev. Opoku-Agyeman Rev. David Asare Rev. Patrick Ntim Manteaw Rev. Oguase Adu Rev. Justice Asumeng Rev. Patrick Ntoni Sasu Rev. Raynolds Oware Ankamah Current Minister: Rev. George Agyei Kwabi Each minister, in their tenure, strengthened the ministry through guidance, prayer, resources, and encouragement.