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Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has praised the Lausanne Movement for its commitment to promoting Christian values and encouraging believers to serve humanity with faith, love and compassion.
Mr Bagbin expressed appreciation for their work in strengthening Christian communities and encouraging people to live according to the teachings of Christ.
He described himself as a loyal and devoted Christian of the Catholic faith and urged the group to remain steadfast in their mission of spreading peace, love and moral values.
He noted that the nation values strong relationships with people from across the world and is always ready to host initiatives that promote unity and shared values.
Mr Bagbin used the occasion to reflect on his personal journey from a humble background in northern Ghana, recounting how he walked long distances to attend school and worked hard to overcome early challenges.
He was speaking during the Lausanne Christian Leadership Consultation in Accra on Wednesday.
The event formed part of activities marking the continental visit of Michael Oh from the United States, with Ghana serving as the first stop.
The consultation was held under the theme: “Christlike Leaders for Every Church and Place.”
Notable among the attendees were former President Emeritus for the Navigators and Members of the Lausanne Board, Jerry White, Former Second Lady, Mrs Matilda Amissah, Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Opoku Onyinah and Chairman of the Lausanne Ghana Committee, Rev. Dr Godwin Ahlijah.
He said his life story was evidence that miracles still exist and that faith in God can guide individuals through adversity.
He also highlighted his long career in public service, noting that he has been active in politics since 1992 and has served in Parliament for decades before being elected Speaker.
According to him, his leadership journey has been guided by faith, service to humanity and the desire to contribute to national development.
The Speaker further shared his involvement in international parliamentary leadership, including his role within the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, where he has worked to promote cooperation among legislatures.
"As we move along, during our lifetime, we will hear the voice of Christ. Everything is possible. So please, you are on the right course. God bless all of you. This is your home. Anytime you come, you need me, please knock. If you knock my door, it will be open for you. If you ask, it will be given. Evidently if you seek, you will find."
"So that's where we are. And I'm happy to see you again. You know, when I saw you at the conference, I said, this man was with me some time ago. So I'm so grateful for the opportunity. I wish you all the best. And please, please, my doors are open to people. Thank you for this opportunity," he said.
Global CEO of the Lausanne Movement, Dr Michael Oh praised the leadership of Mr Bagbin, describing him as a gift from God to the nation.
Dr Oh highlighted the mission of the Lausanne Movement, which was founded by evangelist Billy Graham, and outlined its fourfold vision aimed at advancing the global Christian mission.
According to him, the first pillar of that vision is ensuring that the Gospel reaches every person in the world.
He emphasized that the greatest gift God has given humanity is the good news of Jesus Christ, and noted that the Lausanne Movement remains committed to persevering through prayer, partnerships and global collaboration until that message reaches every corner of the earth.
As a symbol of the movement’s mission, he presented a special art print illustrating the first pillar of the Lausanne Movement’s vision.
On behalf of Lausanne leaders and the global church community present in nations across the world, Dr Oh formally presented the symbolic gift to Speaker Bagbin, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to spreading the Gospel worldwide through unity and partnership.
Former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Opoku Onyinah, has called for stronger collaboration among churches and Christian leaders in Ghana to effectively advance the mission of the gospel.
He thanked God for what he described as a meaningful period of reflection, dialogue and prayer on the mission of the church in Ghana and its role in God’s global mission.
"May the Lord help us to walk in humility, to live with Christ-like avatar, and to work together faithfully for the advance advancement of his kingdom," he said.
Apostle Onyinah expressed appreciation to the organizers and participants for bringing together leaders from different churches and mission movements, describing the gathering as a demonstration of the unity of the body of Christ.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the guest speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, whose reflections, he said, highlighted how God uses people in various spheres of society for His purposes.
"The mission before us is to create for any single church denomination or ministry to accomplish a goal. Yet, we must recognize that two attitudes often end up our collaboration. These are inferiority and superiority. When we feel inferior, we withdraw and assume we have little to contribute."
"When we feel superior, we assume we do not need others. Both attitudes weaken a mission of a challenge. The truth, however, is that interdependence is not weakness. It is the strength of maturity."
