Our History

THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST — GHANA JURISDICTION was operating in Ghana under different Foreign Missionaries from the United States of America. The first was BISHOP WASHINGTON, New York — Brooklyn. He was succeeded by Missionary BISHOP H. W. GOLDSBERRY of Chicago in the mid-sixties who was hosted by BISHOP BLACKSON of the Bethany. COGIC. Bishop H. W. Goldsberry returned to Ghana in the year 1974.

BISHOP W. D. WILLIS of Los Angeles and later Sacramento — California visited Ghana in the year 1972 with Ms. Lucy Flagg and others. They were hosted by BISHOP JAMES K. BAIDOO of the Garden of Eden COGIC. He returned to Ghana in the year 1974 with Elder Carlis L. Moody, Sr. as his Secretary for Missions Department. Elder Calis L. Moody, Sr. was later elevated to the position of Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr., President, International Missions Department, COGIC by dint of hardwork.

Under Bishop H. W. Goldsberry were the following Churches:

Under Elder W. D. Willis were the following Churches:

The above churches were all autonomous.

In the same year 1974 a crusade was held in Kumasi where Bishop Blackson was in attendance. It was so successful but surprisingly, Bishop Blackson later became inactive in the activities of COGIC and resigned.

In 1975 COGIC Headquarters, Memphis, Tennessee decided to unite all churches that went by the name Church of God in Christ — Ghana. Bishop H. W. Goldsberry and Elder W. D. Willis officially united COGIC Ghana on August 30, 1975 and appointed the following General Board.

BISHOP H. W. GOLDSBERRY and ELDER W. D. WILLIS became the Overseers for COGIC Ghana according to Memphis directives.

On September 2, 1975 a letter for UNITY written and signed by Rev. Samuel Baah and Rev. J. K. Baidoo (USA-elected Administrators) was sent to all COGIC Churches to declare their genuine membership and they accordingly did so.

Somewhere in the year 1990, Bishop G. W. Ampiah, the Presiding Elder was charged for financial malpractices. He vacated his post from May 15 to November 27 without proper handing-over to his Vice and attempted to defraud the Department of Missions in the pursuit of his own selfish and personal interest, etc.

Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr. appointed a Commission of Enquiry to go into the case. The Board Members of COGIC Ghana then wrote to Bishop G. W. Ampiah, the Presiding Elder requesting him to answer in writing the charges leveled against him. He refused to respond and resigned from COGIC Ghana.

It was then agreed at a meeting that a fresh election be conducted to choose a new Presiding Bishop for Ghana. An Electoral Adhoc Committee was appointed made up of Rev. R. K. Aidoo and Rev. M. R. Essel who were elevated to the position of superintendents to supervise the election. The nominees for the position of Presiding Bishop were Rev. James Baidoo and Rev Samuel Baah. The election was conducted at Accra Community Centre where Rev. James K. Baidoo was unanimously elected as Presiding Bishop. He has therefore held this position to date. The then Women’s Supervisor was Madam Victoria Agbotui, mother of the (Former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings). She was a member of the Miracle Tabernacle COGIC.

Other Regional Officers were:

COGIC Ghana was officially registered under the religious Bodies Registration Law 1989 (PNDCL 221) on September 12, 1990.

BISHOP JAMES K. BAIDOO went on a missionary visit to Togo and established COGIC Togo under the leadership of Pastor Emmanuel Attaty in 1976 and subsequently made a couple of supervisory visits to Togo before he fell ill.

Bishop James K. Baidoo somewhere in the nineties fell sick and lost touch with other COGIC members. He was bed ridden for years and people thought he was even dead. Due to the nature of the sickness, he was kept away from friends and there was a break in communication even with COGIC Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. When he partially got recovered, he found out that other members could not carry on with the activities of COGIC.

The only COGIC operating was MESSIAH COGIC now called NEW LIFE OUTREACH MINISTRY COGIC in Tema. In 2001 a Missionary by name MARVA CROMATE from USA under the directives of Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr. came to Ghana to look for Bishop James K. Baidoo. Supt. Kwabena Osei Mensah”being Bishop Baidoo’s deputy, welcomed her but due to the precarious condition of the Bishop, he referred her to MESSIAH COGIC in Tema. Missionary Marva Cromate stayed with them until she left the shores of Ghana in 2006.

Since a leader is always a leader, when Bishop James K. Baidoo partially got well, he intoned that he would not allow the flame of COGIC Ghana to die. In the year 2001 through personal counseling of people who visited him in his residence at Mandela No. 2 in Accra, he decided to revamp COGIC and Ghana with the assistance Supt. Kwabena Osei Mensah, Rev. John Justice Aziawah and Edward K.H Abiw Memphis Office. His recognition as the Jurisdictional Bishop for Ghana was restored and Missionaries who tried to visit Ghana through enquiries from COGIC Headquarters, Memphis, Tennessee were directed to Bishop James K. Baidoo.

The first was Mt. Carmel Church of God in Christ of Kansas City led by Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. Their first arrival to the shores of Ghana was in January 2002 and was met on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport by the delegation of. Bishop James K. Baidoo. They visited the Jurisdictional Bishop and held fruitful discussions with him and also held services with the Ghanaian Churches within Greater Accra metropolis.

In the same year June 2002, Mt. Carmel COGIC returned to Ghana with high hope, spent huge sums of money in anticipation of organizing, Super mammoth crusade at the Ghana International Trade Fare premises but the number of congregation and spectators present was far below exportation due to misunderstanding among Ghanaian Officers. Thank God that the spirit of the Lord who knows every secret manifested himself through the Leader and main speaker of the crusade; Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. immediately he mounted the podium. He intoned “there is a cracked platform.” Casting a panoramic view in the auditorium he noticed some of the Executives of COGIC Ghana seated far away from the podium and he immediately invited them to be seated behind him Some Ghanaian Pastors realized that Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. was disappointed and thought he could arrange for a meeting to throw more light on the ‘cracked platform’ after the crusade. That did not happen and he left the shores of Ghana with his entourage.

A new COGIC Ghana was later identified in Cape Coast District of Ghana and the investigation of Bishop James K. Baidoo proved its source of establishment as Elder Ernest McNear of Philadelphia USA. He is the Overseer and resides in the United Sates of America. The Bishop James K. Baidoo wrote series of letters to the Headquarters of COGIC and complained about the emergence of a new COGIC in: Ghana claiming a jurisdiction. Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr. President, International Missions Department then sent Elder Jesse W. Denny (the late) to mediate and let the Ghanaian COGIC know the administrative structure of COGIC International. Elder J. W. Denny arrived in Ghana on September 29, 2006 and was met by the delegation of Bishop James K. Baidoo.

A meeting of the Churches of God in Christ Accra and Cape Coast Districts was held at the End Time Church of God in Christ in September, 2006 and there was amicable settlement of all differences. Credit goes to Elder Jesse W. Denny, Vice President, International Missions Department, for his divine wisdom and the matured way he handled the misunderstanding among COGIC Ghana. In fact, it was a fruitful meeting and since then Accra and Cape Coast District churches have become united and continued to hold fruitful meetings until Elder McNear denounced his membership with COGIC International.

In the year 2007, Church of God in Christ Inc. headquarters at a Board Meeting appointed Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. as the Missions Director for Ghana and Togo jurisdictions. Bishop James K. Baidoo was informed of the Board’s decision that Elder Denny had been promoted to the position of Bishop and was arriving in Ghana on March 6, 2007 to present to Bishop Baidoo a letter concerning his retirement as the Jurisdictional Bishop and also been promoted to the position of EMERITUS on stipends from COGIC Headquarters.

Another letter was to inform the Bishop Emeritus James K. Baidoo about the appointment of Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. as the Missions Director for COGIC Ghana and Togo Jurisdictions as well as a letter commending Elder Ernest McNear for his remarkable work in the Cape Coast district and being encouraged to continue his support for the Cape Coast District. However, all districts were to remain under the jurisdiction of the Missions Director. Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. and Elder Ernest McNear arrived in Ghana on March 7, 2007 and with the Vice President, International Missions Department around, series of meetings were held by these three top officials including Bishop Emeritus James K. Baidoo. The Bishop Jesse W. Denny, Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. and Elder Ernest McNear summoned all factions of COGIC Ghana to a meeting at the End Time Church of God in Christ on Saturday March 10, 2007 at 3.00 p.m.

All factions agreed to UNITE and with UNDERSTANDING embraced each other amid songs of excitement. In deed it was a memorable occasion. The Missions Director distributed COGIC Manuals and COGIC Statement of Faith to COGIC Ghana Pastors. Pastors who could not get the Manuals were assured of their own copies at his next visit. The Missions Director for COGIC Ghana and Togo Jurisdictions later announced the members of the COGIC Ghana Advisory Board and the Higher Executive Officers as listed below:

The Missions Director, Elder Ervin Sims, Jr. left the shores of Ghana on Sunday March 11, 2007. Elder Ernest McNear left Ghana on Tuesday March 13, 2007 and Bishop Jesse W. Denny left on Wednesday March 14; 2007.

The History of COGIC Ghana cannot be complete without recognizing the tremendous efforts of the BISHOP EMERITUS JAMES K. BAIDOO who has consistently dedicated his life and desire to see COGIC Ghana always alive. To Churches of God in Christ —Ghana Jurisdiction we acknowledge this History as a monumental tribute to the BISHOP EMERITUS JAMES K. BAIDOO. His illustrious, God fearing and dedicated service to the LORD will forever be remembered. Even at his ripe age of eighty-two (82) he had no hesitation in his speech and contributed meaningfully to the success of COGIC Programmes and facts of this History. He shall often be remembered by his usual saying that “The Church of God in Christ is linked to a Tree, a large and a mighty tree with its great branches sticking out everywhere. The trunk and the branches form the tree. It is a single unit living a single life when it dies it dies a single death. So my dear Christians in COGIC let us nurse this tree to the glory of God. We must unconditionally subordinate our personal interest in the interest of our great church; “Church of God in Christ.”

Bishop James K. E. Baidoo was retired by COGIC World Headquarters, Memphis, Tennessee as a Jurisdictional Bishop for Ghana and Togo in. March 2007 and was honoured with the title of EMERITUS.

As at the time of writing this history, the executives generally believe that there are other unknown COGIC Churches in Ghana affiliated to other COGIC Foreign Churches especially in the United States of America, Germany, Canada, Britain, etc. who support them financially. Efforts are being made to raise enough funds for Radio and Television advertisement to enable COGIC Ghana Churches who are hidden to come out and join the forces of UNITY because COGIC is one body.

COGIC Ghana is of the hope that under the auspices of the Supt. Ervin Sims, Jr. (Director of Missions for COGIC Ghana and Togo), it will grow in numbers, be sustained and consolidated to become the fastest growing Ministry in Ghana. Precisely, since his appointment as the Missions Director, the number of branches is fast increasing.

On July 19 to 22, 2007, Supt. Ervin Sims, Jr. the Missions Director successfully organized his first Holy Convocation in the Republic of Ghana at the New. Life Outreach Ministry Church of God in Christ in Tema with massive attendance. The auditorium was filled to capacity with some delegates seated outside. The enthusiasm at the Convocation was a delight to watch. Indeed, it was very great.

Superintendent Ervin Sims, Jr. appointed two new superintendents at the Convocation in the persons of Reverend Emmanuel K. Anim, Head Pastor of the New Life Outreach Ministry COGIC in Tema and Pastor. Agyenim Boateng, Head Pastor of the Victory Temple Ministry COGIC in Kumasi.

In February 2008 Supt. Ervin Sims, Jr. the Missions Director, organized a three-day Leadership Conference in Ghana at Girl Guides Guest House — Achimota, Accra. The conference specifically captured the Job Descriptions of Administrative Assistant, Superintendent, Jurisdictional Secretary, Jurisdictional Supervisor and Administrative Reshuffle.

Supt. Emmanuel Kofi Anim was unanimously elected to the office of the chairman of the Superintendents Board. By the directive of the Missions Director before the election, whoever is elected as the chairman becomes the Administrative Assistant in Ghana. Pastor Edward Kojo Harold Abiw and Mother Agnes Agyeman were appointed enbloc as Jurisdictional Secretary and Jurisdictional Supervisor (Women’s Department) respectively. Supt. Kwabena Osei Mensah of blessed memory, then COGIC Ghana Administrative Assistant, was re-assigned a new office as Chairman for Finance by virtue of his profession.

At the COGIC Ghana convocation in 2008 and 2009 three new superintendents were introduced to the congregation. They were Rev. Seth Kofi Arthur, Rev. David OPpanyin-Mensah and Rev. Paul Osei Ajei Bonsu.

It is worth saying that since Supt. Ervin Sims, Jr. assumed office as the Missions Director, supported by his Board of superintendents and the entire churches, there has been tremendous improvement in Ghana. He has united COGIC Ghana and successfully organized three convocations. He is currently seeking sponsorship for COGIC Ghana churches from the U.S. Some Pastors in the U.S. have accordingly consented to his request, and the vision is on track.

COGIC Ghana is so grateful to such a dynamic, affable, visionary and focus minded man of God. May the good LORD guide and protect all his endeavors.

Supt. Ervin Sims, Jr. appointed two new superintendents at the Convocation in the persons of Reverend Emmanuel K. Arnim, Head Pastor of the New Life Outreach Ministry in Tema and Rev. Emmanuel Agyenim Boateng, Head Pastor of the victory Temple Ministry COGIC in Kumasi. Precisely as at October 16, 2007 the number Churches of God in Christ under the Jurisdiction of Elder Ervin Sim, Jr. were

In the year 2018 a new COGIC District was established in the Volta Region of Ghana at Kpando with Supt. Gabriel Dzorgbe as their head.

Below are the current authentic and operating members of COG1C Ghana with their e-mail addresses as at the time of presenting this literature. Continue to check on our website for update, powerful teachings and. sermons.