From December 26–31, 2023, the Adventist Senior High School in Agona hosted the seventh annual Deaf Camp Meeting. This event marked another step in the Northern Ghana Union Conference's (NOGH) journey towards inclusivity and spiritual growth for the hearing-impaired community. The tradition, starting in 2014, has become a symbol of unity in the region, reflecting the NOGH's commitment to diversity.
Paul T. Danquah, Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) director for the NOGH, and Henry B. Afoakwa, APM director for the Mountain View Ghana Conference, led the event with support from Obed Osei-Ajema, of the Mid-Central Ghana Conference. The camp meeting brought together 93 representatives from six deaf churches in the Ashanti Region, with groups coming from Atimatim, Kwadaso, Bekwai, Sekyedumasai, Atwima Koforidua, and the host Agona company.
The theme of this year's meeting was "Love Begetting Love." Guest speaker Jallah S. Karbah Sr., APM director for the West-Central Africa Division, focused on the themes of love and faith in Christ, drawing from biblical texts. The meeting featured the baptism of 14 individuals, including 11 non-Adventist deaf participants, highlighting the event's inclusive nature. It also saw participation from the hearing community, including educators from the host school, contributing to the event's diversity.
The program included performances by a deaf mass choir and a drama team, who used sign language to convey messages about love and acceptance. Additionally, the event offered counseling sessions for deaf married couples, addressing specific challenges and promoting stronger family bonds.
Pastor Henry Brenya Afoakwa, Deaf Ministries coordinator for the NOGH, has played a key role in the success of this ministry in the union. The union and various conferences have worked together to mobilize resources, ensuring the participation of the hearing-impaired in Adventist meetings, a sign of increasing inclusivity in religious communities.
As the NOGH plans to extend its ministry, support from the division, union, and individual conferences is essential. This year's camp meeting demonstrates the role of faith in bridging gaps within communities.
The next camp meeting will take place in Bekwai in 2024, continuing the tradition of these gatherings.
The original version of this story was posted on the West-Central Africa Division website.