The Nyamebekyere Local Assembly of the Church of Pentecost (COP) has dedicated its new church building in Nyamebekyere, a farming community in the Nyamenle Kwagyina District of the Axim Area, Western Region.

The dedication ceremony, held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, was led by the Axim Area Head, Apostle Daniel Mireku Gyamera, and assisted by the Nyamenle Kwagyina District Pastor, Rev. David Kweku Owodo.

The GH¢177,915 project was funded through the Headquarters National Grant, an Area Grant, contributions from the Nyamebekyere Assembly, and individual donations.

The event was attended by reverend ministers, church elders, traditional leaders, and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Apostle Gyamera expressed joy over the completion of the building and commended the officers and members of the church for their immense contributions. He described the structure as one of the most beautiful church buildings in the Axim Area.

He also appealed to traditional leaders to allocate lands for church buildings along roadsides to enhance the beauty of communities.

"Church buildings along the roadsides give glory to the communities and also beautify them. I appeal to our chiefs to consider roadside plots for such projects. This Nyamebekyere church building is very beautiful, and I am very happy. God bless the Presiding Elder, officers, and members for their support," he said.

District Pastor Rev. Owodo also thanked the church leadership and members for their dedication to the project.

Brief history of the Nyamebekyere Assembly

Deacon Benjamin Eyison recalled that the Nyamebekyere Assembly was created in 1965 by the Aiyinasi District under the leadership of the late Pastor B.K. Swanzy and Elder Thomas Kofie, the late Chief of Aiyinasi.

The church began in a temporary mud structure led by Elder Sampson Appiah, with only 30 members.

From 1981 to 1988, Elder Donald Amoah served as Presiding Elder before handing over to Elder James Amoquandoh, who was also the Odikro of Nyamebekyere and donated the land for the permanent church building.

Church building project timeline

Foundation Level: The project was initiated under Pastor Jackson Ntiamoah, with Elder Amoquandoh and the congregation raising the structure to the foundation level.

Window Level: Elder Donald Amoah (2003–2005) advanced the building to the window level.

Roofing Stage: Between 2006 and 2011, Elder Samuel Aidoo (now a COP minister) oversaw fundraising to roof the building. Elder Jonah Aidoo continued with floor casting and filling work.

Fittings and Safety Works: In 2014, Elder Samuel Dadzie fixed doors, window frames, and burglar-proofing. Following concerns about structural safety raised by then-Area Estate Chairman Ps. Moses Nartey, the National Headquarters granted GH¢15,000 for reinforcement.

Electrical Works: In 2019, Elder Isaac Asante Jnr. completed the electrical installations.

Ceiling Works: In 2021, Elder Assaye Duku mobilized funds to install ceiling joints.

Completion: Between 2024 and 2025, under Apostle Gyamera’s leadership, the local assembly received GH¢70,000 from the National Headquarters. District Pastor Owodo and the local presbytery managed the funds to bring the project to completion.

At the dedication, Apostle Gyamera, alongside district pastors and their spouses, prayed for the building and officially handed over the keys to the officers of the Nyamebekyere Local Assembly.

The assembly expressed heartfelt appreciation to the national, area, and district executives, as well as individuals who supported the project.