The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) has paid over GHS 11.7 million towards its inherited debt obligations. This figure significantly exceeds the GHS 7.2 million debt burden the Church initially assumed. The repayment marks a substantial improvement in the EPCG's financial standing as of June 23, 2026.
Right Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd.), the outgoing Moderator of the General Assembly, announced this achievement. He made the disclosure during his final address at the 12th General Assembly in Ho. The repayment program aimed to settle accumulated liabilities and strengthen the Church's financial health.
This debt clearance aligns with a broader trend among Ghanaian institutions to manage financial liabilities more effectively. Many organizations, including religious bodies, have faced economic pressures and are now prioritizing fiscal discipline. The EPCG's proactive approach reflects a growing awareness of sustainable financial management within the country's non-profit sector.
Right Rev. Dr. Agbeko stated, "We inherited a total debt of over 7.2 million cedis, out of which, as at 23rd June this year, we have paid over 11 million, 77,54.883 Ghana cedis." This statement highlights the administration's commitment to resolving past financial challenges. He confirmed that debts to several institutions, including a construction company and various international church bodies, have been fully cleared.
Despite these significant repayments, the Church continues to service an outstanding debt owed to the National Investment Bank (NIB). The repayment arrangement for this particular liability has been renegotiated to ensure its ongoing management. This indicates that while much progress has been made, some financial obligations remain part of the Church's operational landscape.
Looking ahead, the outgoing Moderator has called for stricter controls on future borrowing by all EPCG departments and institutions. He directed that no unit should contract a loan without prior permission and approval from central Church authorities. This new directive aims to prevent a recurrence of past debt accumulation issues and enforce greater financial accountability across the organization.
Rev. Dr. Agbeko also emphasized the need for greater scrutiny of payment delays for debts and other financial commitments. He proposed that reasons for any delayed payments be explained at quarterly meetings to prevent issues from escalating. This measure seeks to instill a culture of prompt financial management and transparency within the Church.
Beyond debt clearance, the Moderator advocated for the Church's "financial liberation" through viable and properly governed investments. He stressed that long-term sustainability requires a strong and diversified financial base, not solely reliance on offerings. This strategic shift aims to generate sustainable income, reducing dependence on voluntary contributions.
He acknowledged the importance of tithes and offerings but argued they should be complemented by income from ethical economic ventures. Such investments could support evangelization, infrastructure development, and social interventions. While the EPCG has historically invested in sectors like agriculture and hospitality, some ventures have not yielded expected returns.
The Church must become more deliberate about creating investments that generate measurable returns. One promising venture highlighted is the Primal Water project, which currently generates at least GHS 10,000 in revenue. This project has the potential to double its contribution with increased sales and customer base, with plans for bottling the water in the future. This focus on income-generating assets represents a crucial step towards the Church's financial independence and long-term mission.