The Wesley Entrepreneurship School Project of the Methodist Church Ghana Must Thrive

The Universal Church of Christ is widely recognized not only for its spiritual guidance but also for its social responsibility. This dual mandate has long shaped the vision and mission of churches across the globe, including Ghana. It is on this foundation that the Methodist Church Ghana, through its Connexional Conference, launched the Wesley Entrepreneurship School Project at the Wesley Methodist Church in Kumasi.

This initiative is a timely response to the socio-economic challenges confronting Ghana, particularly the rising unemployment rate among the youth. It is important to note that the 51st and 13th Biennial Connexional Conference of the Methodist Church Ghana was held in August 2024 at the Wesley Methodist Church in the Kumasi Diocese. The Conference provided an opportune platform to launch the Wesley Entrepreneurship School, as a strategic move for the Church’s commitment to addressing critical national issues.

Ghana is globally acknowledged as a peaceful nation, often regarded as a beacon of stability in Africa. However, despite this positive image, unemployment – especially among the youth – remains a pressing issue. The youth in Ghana, many of whom are active members of various churches, face limited opportunities for gainful employment. This situation calls for proactive measures by religious bodies, governments, and communities alike.

The Methodist Church Ghana after the Wesley Entrepreneurship School Project, has charged all Dioceses to develop comprehensive policies, in collaboration with the Connexional Conference Committee responsible for the program, to ensure the effective launch and implementation of the initiative in their respective Dioceses. This directive highlights the Church’s commitment to empowering its youth and contributing meaningfully to national development.

This article, therefore, serves as an urgent call to all Dioceses to remain focused and dedicated in pursuing this noble initiative. It is essential that the Wesley Entrepreneurship School Project is fully implemented across all Dioceses to ensure it achieves its intended impact – equipping the youth with the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to thrive in the country.

Reports indicate that the Sekondi Diocese has already taken a bold and commendable step by successfully launching the program. This should serve as an inspiration and a challenge to other Dioceses to follow suit.

It is also worth noting that many Dioceses have existing initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment. However, the Wesley Entrepreneurship School comes at a crucial time when Ghana is intensifying efforts to equip its youth with employable skills through vocational training, handicraft development, and apprenticeship programs.

The Government of Ghana continues to roll out various entrepreneurship projects, focusing on employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship as solutions to the alarming unemployment rate. Therefore, the Wesley Entrepreneurship School should not operate in isolation but complement and collaborate with national programs to maximize impact.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Professor Johnson K. Asamoah-Gyadu, has expressed his strong commitment to the success of this project. He envisions a Church that not only nurtures the spiritual lives of its members but also equips them with the practical skills needed for economic empowerment. His hope is to see all Dioceses embracing and sustaining the Wesley Entrepreneurship School, ensuring that the program becomes a lasting legacy within the Methodist Church Ghana.

According to the Methodist doctrine and believe, the youths are the backbone of the Church. They represent the future, and their well-being – both spiritual and physical – is critical to the growth and sustainability of the Church. As such, the Church must prioritize youth empowerment and create pathways for them to become self-reliant, responsible citizens, and active contributors to the nation’s development.

Let us unite as a Church to support this vision. Every Diocese, every circuit, every society, and every member must play their part in ensuring that the Wesley Entrepreneurship School thrives. This is not just a program; it is a mission, a calling to uplift the youth economically while grounding them in the faith and values of the Church.

THE METHODIST CHURCH GHANA

The journey ahead may be challenging, but with faith, determination, and collective effort, the vision of the Wesley Entrepreneurship School can be fully realized. Let us rise to the occasion and demonstrate that the Church of Christ is not only a place of worship but also a transformative force for good in society.

Together, we can empower the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. Together, we can lift them out of economic hardship and position them for success in a competitive global economy. Together, we can ensure that the spiritual and social mission of the Church is fulfilled, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people across Ghana and beyond.

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