Former President John Dramani Mahama, at the weekend, joined thousands of congregants of the Christian Faith Church International (CFI) to climax its 40th anniversary celebration with a grand durbar at the Sekondi Methodist Park in the Western Region.

The month-long celebration is on the theme: ‘Celebrating our Journey of Faith and Embracing New Heights.’

Activities to mark the celebration include children’s quiz competitions, health screenings, blood donations, anniversary lectures on the theme, a leadership seminar, floats, and youth and worship nights.

CFI has witnessed modest growth and expansion in Ghana, West Africa, South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK), Europe, and the United States of America (USA).

It was established by the late Prophet Joseph Suapim Botwe, his wife, Sarah, and some members who exited the Christ Apostolic Church in November 1983.

Mr. Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), called on the Church to be at the forefront of moral renewal in the country.

He stated that the church’s role in this moral renewal could not be underestimated, noting that dishonesty and moral decadence were becoming pervasive against truth, integrity, responsibility, and hospitality.

Mr. Mahama said, “This renewal must begin from our homes through to the political space,” adding, “The journey of the Church is still a work in progress to enhance the light of salvation.”

Touching on the state of the economy, the NDC Presidential candidate mentioned that the 24-hour economy proposal was a sure bet to changing the fortunes of Ghanaians.

Furthermore, he also urged the clergy and all stakeholders to begin speaking up against some actions of the Electoral Commission (EC) which had the tendency to mar the peace of the country.

The General Secretary of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Immanuel Nii Tettey, urged members of the Church to walk in faith in the possibilities that God gave to those who diligently followed Him.

He said, “As members and leaders of the Church, we need a broader vision to develop society both socially and spiritually.”

The General Overseer of CFI, Presiding Bishop Emmanuel Botwey, remembered the esteemed pioneers who laid the foundation of the church.

He mentioned that the 40th anniversary was a time chosen to honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a glorious future.

He believed the 40 years of CFI had been a journey of mixed feelings, adding, “Our journey has been marked by moments of triumph, challenges, struggles, and seasons of growth.”

The General Overseer then entreated the congregation to renew their faith, become refreshed, and have their spirits revitalised for the opportunities ahead.

In elections 2024, he encouraged the public to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech and rather focus on issue-based campaigns, tolerance, and understanding to promote a responsible, transparent, impartial, and peaceful process.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and NPP Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, asked the church to continue to pray for the country as the elections approach for a peaceful electoral process.