The Africa Center for the Study of Worldviews and Wholistic Development of Society held its inaugural graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 4, 2024, in Accra, marking a milestone in its mission to foster transformative leadership across the continent.
The event saw graduates from Ghana, Senegal, and Rwanda being celebrated for their commitment to addressing Africa’s systemic challenges.
In his address, the Center’s founder, Dr. Christopher Ampadu PhD, underscored the significance of the ceremony as a turning point in tackling the continent’s contradictions, including poverty, corruption, and leadership failings.
He drew attention to the paradoxes facing Africa, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, describing it as a continent rich in resources but mired in poverty and despair.
“Africa is a land blessed with minerals, fertile land, and a youthful population, yet millions live in abject poverty. Just last week, nearly a thousand Africans perished trying to cross the sea in search of a better life,” he lamented.
He stressed the urgency of addressing these contradictions, noting, “We are a continent with some of the most religious people in the world, yet we are plagued by systemic corruption and injustice.”
The key to Africa’s transformation, Dr. Ampadu emphasized, lies in a fundamental shift in attitudes and behaviours and warned, “Without a change in mindset, new governments and policies will achieve little.”
“We need a new breed of leaders with God’s heart and intentions who are committed to societal transformation.”
He called for a redefinition of leadership, urging seminary graduates to act not only as church leaders but also as agents of change in their communities.
Dr. Ampadu criticized the passive stance of many religious institutions, arguing that churches must play a more proactive role in societal development.
According to him, a church that prays to a God it does not obey, honour, or respect cannot bring transformation and urged churches to integrate godliness into politics, education, and economics.
He added that the Africa Center for the Study of Worldviews aims to address these challenges by fostering research, dialogue, and leadership development to unlock Africa’s potential.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. J.K. Antwi, a former chairman of the Great Commission Church International, echoed the call for transformation, emphasizing the urgent need to address corruption, environmental degradation, and a distorted worldview.
“Our continent is blessed with abundant resources—minerals, fertile lands, and the youngest population in the world—yet we grapple with poverty, environmental decay, and systemic corruption,” Dr. Antwi said.
He criticized the church’s abdication of its role in societal transformation, urging religious leaders to lead the fight for justice, environmental care, and patriotism.
“The church should be at the forefront of instilling values and fighting corruption,” he declared.
Dr. Antwi charged the graduates, reminding them of the challenges they will face as they pursue their mandate.
“Standing against corruption and injustice is not easy, but it is necessary. This fight must be sustained until the final victory is won,” he said.
The ceremony marked the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative journey for the graduates and the continent. Both Dr. Ampadu and Dr. Antwi called on them to rise as change-makers and lead Africa toward a brighter future.