Easter Celebration in Ghana

Group of Pastors being ordained

Group Bible Study

Praise time with dancing

Easter in  Ghana is such a special time of year.  The Monday after Easter is actually a national holiday.  The various churches and denominations have large conventions.  For example the Christian Church group in Ghana holds a national convention every two years with people from around the country gathering to celebrate.  They have lots of workshops and training sessions that begin on Friday and continue through Saturday.  Sunday everyone gathers in a large square of canopies.  There is lots and lots of dancing and singing.  The service generally begins around 10am and last until mid afternoon.

In 2004 Enoch Nyador invited me to give the communion meditation at the national convention which was held in Accra that year.  The communion mediation in Ghana is often a mini-sermon, lasting 10 minutes or so.  I was so honored and nervous to have this opportunity to share.  That year approximately 2,000 people were in attendance.  It was really hot.  I had my white shirt, tie and coat on like many of the Ghanaians who were not in traditional dress.  In Ghana there are nearly 50 language groups.  I shared my message in English, but I was translated three more times—Twi, Ewe, and another language from one of the northern tribes.  So, think of the time it takes for just one statement.

Seeing these pictures from the 2013 national convention in Saboba, northern Ghana bring back wonderful memories.

David Ketchum