The Central Charismatic Baptist Church (C.C.B.C.) at Atonsu-Gyinyase in Kumasi has marked its 30th anniversary with a colourful thanksgiving service at its Open Heavens Cathedral, with a passionate call for a review of the new law banning preaching on public transport.
The milestone celebration climaxed 30 days of intensive prayer and fasting under the theme “Open Doors,” anchored on Revelation 3:8: “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
The anniversary brought together past and present members, ministers of the gospel, traditional leaders, friends, and well-wishers to reflect on three decades of God’s faithfulness, growth and community impact.
Among the dignitaries who joined the celebration were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokwa, Amoh Kamel.
Their presence, together with other government officials, clergy and community leaders, added colour and significance to the historic occasion.
The climax, held on Sunday, was characterized by vibrant praise and worship, soul-stirring choral performances and drama that chronicled the humble beginnings, challenges and triumphs of the church over the last 30 years.
The celebration was led by the founder and Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Steve Owusu Ampomah Paintsil, together with the church’s leadership, associate pastors, and deacons.
In his keynote address, Rev. Dr. Steve traced the history of the church, recalling the sacrifices, prayers and perseverance that birthed the ministry 30 years ago.
He expressed profound gratitude to God, the founding members, past and present leadership, and the entire congregation for their loyalty and commitment to the vision.
“This is not just about a building or numbers; it is about 30 years of God’s grace, of lives saved, families restored and hope given to the hopeless. The Lord has been our Ebenezer and He is opening greater doors for us,” he said.
He disclosed that as part of the next phase, the church will intensify its missions, youth mentorship, educational support and community development initiatives.
The celebration comes at a time when a familiar evangelism practice faces an uncertain future.
A new law passed by Parliament in May and now being enforced in recent weeks prohibits preaching and hawking in public service vehicles while they are in motion. The regulation classifies the practice as a nuisance and a threat to passenger safety and comfort.
Under the new regulation, anyone found preaching in public service vehicles faces up to eight months imprisonment, a fine of up to $52 (£39), or both.
Reacting to the law in an interview after the service, Rev. Dr. Paintsil said while concerns about noise, nuisance and passenger safety are valid, an outright ban with custodial sentence is too harsh and could cripple grassroots evangelism.
He argued that preaching on buses remains one of the most effective soul-winning strategies that has transformed countless lives over the decades, including many who would never have entered a church building.
“My born-again journey started with a preaching I heard on a bus”, he revealed.
“This law has already been passed, but we are appealing that it should be revised. Instead of criminalizing evangelism with prison terms and fines, we should rather regulate it. We can have clear guidelines on how to preach respectfully without disturbing or harassing passengers,” Rev. Dr. Paintsil appealed.
He called on Parliament, the Ministry of Transport and city authorities to open dialogue with the clergy and consider a more balanced approach that preserves both public order and religious liberty.
The Senior Pastor also devoted a significant part of his message to the youth, urging them to be conscious of the choices they make in these critical times.
He expressed concern over the rising trend of drug abuse, tramadol and substance misuse, alcoholism, sexual immorality and other indecent behaviours among Ghanaian youth.
Rev. Dr. Paintsil charged young people to dissociate themselves from such destructive lifestyles and to rather focus on their education, skills training and personal development.
“The future belongs to those who prepare today. Do not waste your youthful exuberance on drugs and immorality. Focus on your books, learn a skill, be disciplined, and above all, put God first in everything you do,” he admonished.
He reminded the youth that when God is placed at the centre of their lives and endeavours, He directs their paths and opens doors of favour, opportunities and greatness that no man can shut,
Meanwhile, Senior Deacon of the church, Dr. Kwasi Osei Agyemang, outlined the bold vision of the church for the next three decades.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Deacons, Dr. Kwasi Osei Agyemang said the 30th anniversary is not an end but a stepping stone to greater works.
He stated that the church’s overarching vision in the next 30 years is to win more souls for Christ and to grow into one of the mega churches in the Ashanti Region.
He said the church intends to intensify its evangelism drive, expand its missions outreach, plant more branches, invest heavily in youth development, education and skills training, and undertake more community impact projects.
“For 30 years, God has been faithful. In the next 30 years, we want to see C.C.B.C become a mega church in Ashanti – a church that is not only large in numbers but deep in impact, winning more souls for God, raising godly leaders, and transforming communities,” Dr. Agyemang noted.
Dr. Agyemang called on all members to remain committed, united and sacrificial to help realize the vision.
The presence of the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Asokwa MCE underscored the church’s contribution to community development and social cohesion in the municipality over the past 30 years.
The 30th-anniversary thanksgiving ended with prayers for the church, the nation, and the next generation, as well as cutting of the anniversary cake and a time of fellowship.
