I am told that Rev. Andreas Riis was a missionary of the Basel Evangelical Missionary Society who arrived in the Gold Coast in March 1832. His arrival in Akropong the same year coincided with the intensifying struggle between the Danes and English for control of Akuapem. The Danish Governor on suspicion of sympathizing with the English subsequently imprisoned him.

History tells us that Rev. Riis earned the Twi sobriquet “Osiadan” or “house-builder”. This is because he constructed a stone and timber building, which became characteristic of Akropong, and indeed, most areas where the Baselk Mission is to be found. He was also pioneer explorer whose travels of exploration evidence courage, daring and toughness. Nothing was too much to dare for Jesus Christ.

I have provided this background for a reason: that this celebration will challenge us to allow the story of Rev. Riis hold up the mirror to our own lives, so that we may, even now, begin to ponder the question of how posterity will remember us. Let us consider, for instance, the critical issue of whether the stance of the Christian of today is consistent with the imperatives of the Christian gospel. How do we stand up to such values and principles as what is human, what is honest, what constitutes justice and right relationships, truth and truthfulness, peace and reconciliation?

Twelve years after the Basel Mission began in Ghana in 1828, not less than eight missionaries had perished, four years into Rev. Riis’ mission, no converts had been made. Yet Rev. Riis resolved to continue his mission and soldiered on. In the end, he contributed immensely to the success of the Christian mission to the Gold Coast, to the Presbyterian Church in Ghana, and to Ghana as a whole.

Hopefully, we can capture some of the spirit of Rev. Riis and learn from it for the development of our Christian lives and the nation. It is my hope also that the Church of today will acquire and exhibit those qualities that made for his success as a missionary, and that our nation too will imbibe these qualities, so that we can successfully address the challenges of our time, especially the rather difficult and seemingly intractable economic circumstances, the poverty and indiscipline that beset the nation.

Let us preserve the ideals and memory of Rev. Riis by remaining steadfast in our trust in God, abiding by the teachings of the Church and striving to contribute to national development. May the love preached by the Lord Jesus Christ guide and strengthens our resolve to lead lives worthy of emulation.

Let me reiterate, finally, that I count it a privilege and joy to be associated with this celebration. It is prayer that this commemoration will be occasion for refocusing Christ’s mission to the nation of Ghana recovering something of the values that made Rev. Riis a worthy memorial.

May God bless us and lead the Church on to higher heights.

NANA AKUFFO – ADDO, MP, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS