“Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” I Sam 14, 6b(NRSV).

We celebrate with you the 170th anniversary of the arrival in March 1835 at Akropong of Andreas Riis an event, which marked the beginning of the sharing of the light of the gospel with the people of Akuapem in particular and Ghana in general.

Born on 12th January 1804 in Lugunkloster to a glass-worker, Andreas Riis, a would-be glass worker became an Africa Missionary through his call at a mission’s festival in Christianfeld and subsequent missionary training in Basel.

It was three years after his arrival in the Gold Coast and the death of his two missionary colleagues that he started his stay and missionary work in Akropong, where he was received and welcomed by Nana Addo Dankwa I, the then Omanhene of Akuapem. His absolute faith in his Maker who had sent him and his hope in the people to whom he went made him despise the advice of the Europeans at Accra to return the Coast, because his stay among the “wild Africans” would yield no fruitful results. Riis was encouraged by the warm reception given him by Nana Addo Dankwa I and his people, and their help to him in the construction of his house which activity earned him in the titled “OSIADAN”

We give thanks to the people of Akropong for making it possible for Andreas Riis to stay and work among them and thus making it possible for the arrival of the West Indians through Andreas Riis. And to the West Indians for introducing fruits likes mangoes, pineapples, lemons, coffee, banana, oranges cocoyam, plantain, and others.

Andreas Riis had to leave the country because of ill-health and principally complaints against him by his fellow missionaries in the Gold Coast to the Board of the Basel Mission which eventually released him on 3rd May, 1846. Andreas Riis then joined the Norwegian Missionary Society and worked in Norway for some years before he died on 20th January 1854.

Thus much has God through Riis served and help this country and humanity. Riis made himself available to the Lord who called, protected, saved and used him for that great work the fruit of which is the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

As you celebrate this great occasion let every Akropong person especially Presbyterian decide for the Lord and ask Him /her for the work of saving humanity.
I warmly congratulate you and wish you a happy and memorable anniversary