In a significant step toward strengthening Christian leadership and theological education across
Africa, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students – English and Portuguese Speaking
Africa (IFES-EPSA) and the Trinity Theological Seminary (TTS), Legon, Accra, have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing of the MOU makes TTS the new home for
hosting the Institute for Staff Development and Training (ISDT). The event, held on Wednesday,
June 4, 2025 at the TTS President’s Conference Room, brought together leaders from both
organizations to celebrate a shared vision for ministry and mission.
The agreement establishes a collaborative framework between IFES-EPSA and Trinity
Theological Seminary (TTS) to jointly facilitate theological and ministry capacity building
through the Institute for Staff Development and Training (ISDT) Programme. The partnership is
rooted in a shared commitment to strengthen Christian witness and leadership development in
Africa, particularly among university student ministry workers.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Rev. Prof. Frederick Mawusi Amevenku, President – Trinity
Theological Seminary, emphasized the importance of the partnership for the seminary. He
remarked, “This is an exciting moment for us at Trinity. Collaborating with IFES-EPSA means
we are investing in a wider African mission, training leaders who will influence both the church
and society with deep theological insight and Christlike character.”
On behalf of IFES-EPSA, Mr. Zelalem Abede Abiyo, Regional Secretary, who joined the
ceremony virtually, expressed with enthusiasm the significance of this milestone. He reiterated,
“We believe this MoU with Trinity will allow us to deepen the spiritual and intellectual
formation of our student leaders across the region. Trinity has a long-standing reputation for
academic excellence, and we are delighted to work closely with such an institution.”
Mr. Isaac Mensah-Newton, National Director, GHAFES reminisced the pivotal role GHAFES
played in facilitating the before and during the signing of the MOU. He reflected on the
historical antecedent of the relationship between GHAFES and TTS and the pivotal role
GHAFES played before the signing of the MOU. He recalled that the collaboration between the
two organizations dates back to 1989, under the leadership of then GHAFES General Secretary,
Very Rev. Kofi Owusu. That collaboration included the establishment of the William Ofori
Attah Award, which is presented annually to the Best Student in Holistic Ministry of Trinity
Theological Seminary. He noted, “This MoU is not the beginning but rather a continuation of a
valued relationship. The William Ofori Attah Award symbolizes the shared commitment of
GHAFES and Trinity to the pursuit of academic excellence and dedication to holistic ministry.”
The ceremony was also attended by Rev. Dr. Martin Adu Obeng – Vice President, TTS, Mr.
Simon Nabiswa Masibo – Associate Regional Secretary for Eastern Africa and the Coordinator
for the ISDT Programme, Rev. Prof. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong – Academic Dean, TTS, Mrs.
Amma Asamoahbea Eleblu – Vice Board Chair for GHAFES, and Ms. Pamela Ablorh-Quarcoo–
Director of Administration for TTS and Mrs. Priscilla Ayorkor Mensah – Manager, Resource
Mobilization for GHAFES. May the fruits of this partnership and collaboration bless the church
and the wider African society for years to come.
Isaac Mensah-Newton
National Director, GHAFES
