Seek peace – Apostle Etrue tells Ghanaians

Apostle Mike Kwame Etrue, the Koforidua Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, who is also an international executive member and the Eastern Regional Coordinator of the church, has called on Ghanaians to seek peace and pursue it.

Apostle Etrue said this during the joint Peace Campaign launch of Koforidua Area and Effiduase Area of The Church of Pentecost, held on Sunday, 22nd September 2024. The theme for the launch was ‘Seek Peace and Pursue it’ – Psalm 34:14b.

As a former missionary, Apostle Mike Etrue recalled his experiences of the devastating effects of electoral violence in some African countries and used the occasion to advocate for peace. He explained that “peace is priceless, while violence is devastating and indiscriminate.” He corroborated that peace in the nation is a determinant of the very existence and development of the people.

Explaining the Peace Campaign theme, the Koforidua Area Head said it aims to cultivate a culture of peace and harmony within our beloved nation, Ghana. “While elections often stir strong emotions and differing opinions, it is our responsibility to engage in respectful dialogue that prioritizes collaboration over division, leading to the peace and development we desire for our nation Ghana”, he said.

Further, Apostle Etrue explained that promoting and praying for peace is a divine duty, as highlighted in Jeremiah 29:7. He emphasized that “as our nation heads for general elections on December 7, 2024, the Church as a prophetic voice in society considers herself as an Agent of Peace with a responsibility to preach, exhibit, and model peace and harmony in the Ghanaian society.”

The rationale for the peace campaign launch, he explained, was a part of the Church’s Vision 2028 agenda to possess the nations for Christ and a heartfelt call to action that the strength of the nation lies in unity and diversity. Referencing James Bryce that “Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong,” he made a case for peace before, during, and after the elections to create a positive impact not just in this election, but for generations to come.

Recalling the words of Kwame Nkrumah, "We must build a society where every citizen has a sense of belonging, where there is justice and equality for all," he called on all and sundry to become agents of peace in their communities and wherever they find themselves.

Other distinguished dignitaries at the launch made calls to foster peace and indicated how their outfits were working towards a peaceful election. Among them were the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah; the Regional Director of Education, Mrs Ivy Asantewaa Owusu; the Regional NCCE Director, Ms Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah; and the Deputy Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Nana Oduro Numapau. Also present were the representatives of New Juaben Omanhene, Daasebre Nana Kwaku Boateng III, and the Regional Chief Imam rep, who gave their solidarity messages in the pledge of peace.

The NDC parliamentary candidate for New Juaben South, Dr. Martin Offei Otu, and the NPP parliamentary candidate for New Juaben North, Hon. Nana Osei-Adjei, both pledged their support for peace on behalf of their respective parties.