The Assemblies of God World Congress, a global gathering of the Assemblies of God Church, is set to take place in Accra, Ghana, from October 14 to 16. This historic event, the first to be held on African soil since the church's establishment 115 years ago, is expected to attract a significant number of participants. According to Rev. Andrews Nelson Awintia, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the evening sessions will draw between 40,000 and 45,000 people.
The Assemblies of God Church was established in the United States in 1914 following the Azusa Street Revival. Since then, the church has organised a global congress every three years. However, none of the previous congresses have been hosted in Africa until Ghana was selected to host the upcoming event. Rev. Awintia noted that Ghana was chosen as the first African country to host the Congress, which comes with significant logistical responsibilities due to the expected numbers.
To accommodate the large number of delegates expected at the morning sessions, the organisers have ordered a large dome from Dubai. The dome, which can accommodate at least 10,000 people at a time, was expected to arrive in Ghana recently. The congress will be held in two sessions each day, with the morning programme taking place at Black Star Square and expected to attract at least 10,000 people.
The evening sessions of the congress will be held at the Accra Sports Stadium, where attendance is projected to be between 40,000 and 45,000. Rev. Awintia emphasised that the congress is not restricted to members of the Assemblies of God or Ghanaians, but is open to members of the public and participants from across Africa and the world.
The event is considered an important occasion for Africa, with several people from other African countries contacting the organisers to express their views that the congress is an African event because it is being held on the continent for the first time. The official opening ceremony on October 14 is expected to bring together several dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, who is a member of the Assemblies of God church.
A total of 28 ministers of state have so far confirmed their participation in the congress. The immediate past President of Malawi, who previously served as a General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God before becoming president, is also expected to attend. This high-level participation underscores the significance of the event.
The Assemblies of God World Congress is expected to be a major event in Ghana, with significant logistical and organisational efforts in place to ensure its success. With its focus on unity and fellowship, the congress is set to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and countries, promoting a sense of community and shared purpose.
Key points
- The Assemblies of God World Congress will be held in Accra, Ghana, from October 14 to 16, attracting 40,000 to 45,000 participants for its evening sessions.
- The event is the first Assemblies of God World Congress to be held on African soil since the church's establishment 115 years ago.
- The congress is open to members of the public and participants from across Africa and the world, not just members of the Assemblies of God or Ghanaians.
