Presbyterian Church of Ghana opens 7th National DSS Consultation

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has officially opened its 7th National Development and Social Services (DSS) Consultation at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre in Abokobi. The four-day event, running from October 13 to 16, 2025, brings together approximately 90 leaders and development partners from various sectors, including health and agriculture. This year’s consultation is themed "Celebrating Our Heritage: Building on the Foundation Already Laid: Fostering Health, Harvest, and Human Dignity," marking a significant milestone of 141 years of the church's dedicated social and medical service to the nation.

The Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, highlighted the extensive history of the church’s health service, which began in 1885. From its humble origins, the church's medical mission has evolved significantly and now oversees 61 health facilities operating across the country. These institutions play a critical role in Ghana's healthcare delivery system, providing essential services to diverse communities. The National Director, Mrs. R. Teiko Sabah, emphasized the church’s long-standing commitment to social work and its vital role in addressing modern societal challenges through integrated development programs.

During the consultation, church leaders and health stakeholders called for enhanced collaboration and stronger state support to sustain and expand these services. Dr. Mavis Sakyi, representing the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of joint efforts in managing hospital sites and ensuring quality care. Specifically, the church made formal appeals for the reinstatement of a halted Accident and Emergency Centre project and the expansion of the Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital in Bolgatanga. These requests reflect the church's focus on addressing critical gaps in specialized medical care and mental health services in the northern regions of Ghana.

As the consultation progresses through the week, participants will explore new strategies to strengthen the church’s impact on health, food security, and human dignity. The discussions aim to consolidate the foundation laid by predecessors while adapting to the evolving needs of the Ghanaian population. By fostering deeper partnerships with the state and private sector, the Presbyterian Church seeks to ensure its legacy of service remains a cornerstone of national development for the next century and beyond.