President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured faith-based organisations in the country that his administration will continue to maintain a strong collaboration with them in order to achieve the goal of improving the living standards of the people of Ghana.
“We will continue to work with the Salvation Army. We will continue to work with all the faith based organization in our country because we see a mutuality of interests, mutuality of goals between what government is trying to day and what you [faith based organizations] are trying to do”.
President Akufo-Addo said these when he received a Salvation Army delegation led by the faith-based organization’s international leader, General Brain Peddle in his office on Friday.
The delegation was at the Jubilee House to inform the President about their upcoming centenary celebration in Ghana.
“Ultimately we are working on different sides of the scoop, but to raise up the living stands of our people and at the same time, create a society where faith, belief in God, are important foundational concepts in the development of the society” President Akufo-Addo said.
Admirable record
According to the President, “the manner in which the salvation Army has comported itself here in Ghana is been admirable.
“You can find across the country, our people recognizing the value and the work that you have done in our country. Long may that continue.
“We are looking forward to yet another hundred years of close cooperation between the people of Ghana, their government and Salvation Army”.
Government cooperation
General Brian Peddle, in his remarks noted that he is impressed with the level of cooperation between the Salvation Army and the government of Ghana.
He registered what he says is his genuine thanks to President Akufo-Addo and the government of Ghana for the partnership in areas such as health care and education.
“The Salvation Army in Ghana is celebrating a significant milestone. They are part of the international family of the Salvation Army which is resident legally now in 133 countries.
“27 of those countries are right here on the continent of Africa and we are very strong and vibrant in Africa. As a matter of 47% of the Salvation Army in here in Africa and I am very proud to be a part of Ghana’s celebrations this week”, he added.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church, although distinctive in government and practice. The Army’s doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasize God’s saving purposes.
Its objects are ‘the advancement of the Christian religion of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.
The movement, founded in 1865 by William Booth, has spread from London, England, to many parts of the world. The rapid deployment of the first Salvationists was aided by the adoption of a quasi-military command structure in 1878 when the title, ‘The Salvation Army’, was brought into use.
A similarly practical organisation today enables resources to be equally flexible. Responding to a recurrent theme in Christianity which sees the Church engaged in spiritual warfare, the Army has used to advantage certain soldierly features such as uniforms, flags and ranks to identify, inspire and regulate its endeavours.
Evangelistic and social enterprises are maintained, under the authority of the General, by full-time officers and employees, as well as soldiers who give service in their free time.
The movement believes that its partnership with both private and public philanthropy will continue to bring comfort to the needy, while the proclamation of God’s redemptive love offers individuals and communities the opportunity to enjoy a better life on earth and a place in Christ’s everlasting Kingdom.
The Salvation Army is currently led by General Brian Peddle, who was elected as the 21st General on 3 August 2018.
