5 Mature Christian leaders are in short supply in this time of rapid growth, economic stress and doctrinal confusion

6 The missions vision of the Ghanaian church has grown, with agencies and workers increasing in numbers

a) Training for missions is given by both CSC and Maranatha as well as Africa Christian Mission

b) Christian Outreach Fellowship with 24 missionaries has planted nearly 60 churches for other denominations

c) The Church of Pentecost has sent church planters to many countries in West Africa and in Europe

7 Young people are in the forefront of the move of the Spirit

8 Missionary personnel to serve as Bible teachers, translators, media experts and pioneer evangelists are still needed in this day of opportunity

9 The less evangelized peoples of Ghana have, generally, never been so receptive as now

a) The traditional peoples of the Upper East and West regions adjoining Burkina Faso

b) The traditional peoples of the Northern region are a complex medley of small groups that are scarcely touched by the gospel

c) The Islamized peoples of the North have responded only minimally to the gospel

10 Less evangelized sectors of society:

a) The cities — which have grown by absorbing many ethnic groups

b) Southern traditionalists are especially strong in the Volta Region and among the numerous Ewe people and their sea and river-fishing colonies

c) Islam has grown significantly through Muslim men marrying non-Muslim women, and through migration to cities

d) Abandoned, homeless street children have increased during Ghana's economic stresses of recent years and now number over 45,000

11 Christian Help Ministries for prayer:

a) Bible translation has made great strides over the past 20 years, GILLBT/SIL and The Bible Society are presently working on 17 language projects

b) Literacy programmes have often been too slow, too late and too limited to make good use of newly translated Scriptures

c) Literature. A chronic shortage exists

d) Christian films (SIM) are used with great effect

e) GRN has increased its range of gospel cassettes to cover 67 languages

Politics

Independent from Britain in 1957.

Religion

Secular state with religious freedom since 1992 following a period of some restrictions.

Churches in Ghana

Missionaries from Ghana

approx. 750 in 60 agencies to 32 countries, of which 144 are abroad.

Missionaries to Ghana

400 in 70 agencies from 23 countries

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Geography

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Area 238,533 sq.km. Grasslands in north, farmland and forest in south.

Population (2000) 20,212,495 +2.75%AGR

Capital Accra 2,250,000.

Peoples

Kwa 71.1%; Gur 25.4%; Mande 1.1%; Other 2.4%.

Literacy 70%. Official language English. All languages 72. Languages with Scriptures 8Bi 20NT 9por 17w.i.p.

Economy

Main exports are cocoa, gold and timber – all susceptible to market fluctuations. HDI 0.544; 133^rd/174. Public debt 75% of GNP. Income/person $400 (1.4% of USA).

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