8 Jan 2026, 14:26Robert Kyei-Gyau, Plaistow, London Ghana church
Ghana High Commissioner Visits London Ghana Adventist Church
Members of the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist church gathered in worship on Sabbath, 3 January, despite cold winter conditions, to give thanks to God for His grace, mercy, and protection. The Sabbath service was marked by uplifting music and a focused spiritual message.
The highlight of the day was the afternoon thanksgiving service, which included the visit of Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Her Excellency Mrs Sabah Zita Benson. Earlier in the morning, the congregation had also received her deputy, His Excellency Mr Aquinas Quansah, making the occasion particularly memorable.
The London Ghana Youth Brass Band added colour and energy to the programme, ushering in the High Commissioner and her delegation with a well-rehearsed marching display. The band also rendered both the British and Ghanaian national anthems, setting a dignified tone for the visit.
Mrs Benson is Ghana’s first female High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland since the country gained independence on 6 March 1957. She has been in office for three months.
Addressing Knife Crime Among Youth
In her address, Mrs Benson announced plans by the Ghana High Commission to organise a stakeholder forum in London in April, aimed at addressing knife and gang crime involving some Ghanaian youth. She expressed concern about the impact of such violence, particularly among young men.
“Some Ghanaian youths are involved and have ended up in jail or in the grave. It is a very unfortunate situation,” she said.
She explained that the forum would bring together professionals, including healthcare workers, social workers, and youth mentors, alongside sporting activities and cultural education, to engage young people – especially boys.
Mrs Benson also praised Ghanaian girls in the UK for their achievements, noting with pride that some now serve as Members of Parliament. She stressed the importance of supporting young men to avoid violence and build positive futures.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Ghanaians in the UK and Ireland, improving consular services, and working collaboratively with community and faith-based organisations.
Focus on Youth and Community Engagement
Quoting Psalm 133:1, Mrs Benson prayed for unity within the Ghanaian community and commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for fostering cohesion and supporting community development.
The Senior Pastor, Pastor George Boakye Asiamah, assisted by Associate Pastor Bright Agyeman-Baah, formally welcomed the High Commissioner. Pastor Asiamah highlighted the church’s commitment to both spiritual growth and community engagement.
“We operate a food bank serving residents in need, organise community clean-up exercises, conduct visitations, and host health expos that address the needs of the Newham community,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Pastor Asiamah’s sermon, based on Matthew 6:33, encouraged members to seek God’s kingdom above material concerns and to prioritise prayer and spiritual renewal throughout the year.
Members of the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist church gathered in worship on Sabbath, 3 January, despite cold winter conditions, to give thanks to God for His grace, mercy, and protection. The Sabbath service was marked by uplifting music and a focused spiritual message.
The highlight of the day was the afternoon thanksgiving service, which included the visit of Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Her Excellency Mrs Sabah Zita Benson. Earlier in the morning, the congregation had also received her deputy, His Excellency Mr Aquinas Quansah, making the occasion particularly memorable.
The London Ghana Youth Brass Band added colour and energy to the programme, ushering in the High Commissioner and her delegation with a well-rehearsed marching display. The band also rendered both the British and Ghanaian national anthems, setting a dignified tone for the visit.
Mrs Benson is Ghana’s first female High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland since the country gained independence on 6 March 1957. She has been in office for three months.
Addressing Knife Crime Among Youth
In her address, Mrs Benson announced plans by the Ghana High Commission to organise a stakeholder forum in London in April, aimed at addressing knife and gang crime involving some Ghanaian youth. She expressed concern about the impact of such violence, particularly among young men.
“Some Ghanaian youths are involved and have ended up in jail or in the grave. It is a very unfortunate situation,” she said.
She explained that the forum would bring together professionals, including healthcare workers, social workers, and youth mentors, alongside sporting activities and cultural education, to engage young people – especially boys.
Mrs Benson also praised Ghanaian girls in the UK for their achievements, noting with pride that some now serve as Members of Parliament. She stressed the importance of supporting young men to avoid violence and build positive futures.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Ghanaians in the UK and Ireland, improving consular services, and working collaboratively with community and faith-based organisations.
Focus on Youth and Community Engagement
Quoting Psalm 133:1, Mrs Benson prayed for unity within the Ghanaian community and commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for fostering cohesion and supporting community development.
The Senior Pastor, Pastor George Boakye Asiamah, assisted by Associate Pastor Bright Agyeman-Baah, formally welcomed the High Commissioner. Pastor Asiamah highlighted the church’s commitment to both spiritual growth and community engagement.
“We operate a food bank serving residents in need, organise community clean-up exercises, conduct visitations, and host health expos that address the needs of the Newham community,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Pastor Asiamah’s sermon, based on Matthew 6:33, encouraged members to seek God’s kingdom above material concerns and to prioritise prayer and spiritual renewal throughout the year.
