Accra Ridge Church | Accra's Local Church

Genesis
Mrs. Grace Otu-Boateng's office was right in the midst of the sprawling, bustling, overcrowded commercial enclave of Tudu. Overtime, she observed the anti-social behaviour of the many youth struggling to make a living, by hook or by crook, in the area. Her heart went out to them so she became friendly with a few of them. Soon, she had started a weekly Bible study fellowship with them, at the end of which she fed them from her own resources and counselled them against drug abuse, stealing, illicit sex, etc.

More people showed interest, so she appealed for help from some members of the Youth Fellowship. This yeoman's work was brought to the attention of the Ministers and the Council. The Church officially assumed responsibility for the programme in 2001. Thereafter, members of the Evangelism Committee, together with members of the Youth Fellowship and other volunteers had Sunday services for the emerging congregation at Tudu.

Inauguration
On the 15" of December, 2002, the Ministry was formally inaugurated at a grand service preceded by a 'Jesus March' from the Ridge Church. Members of the Accra Ridge Church and their Tudu brethren walked from the main Church with a brass band procession to the Ghana Education Service offices at Tudu, which was serving as the meeting place of the embryo church.

The Methodist Chaplain, Rev. W.A. Mpere-Gyekye, preached the sermon in Akan. The inauguration was performed by Rev Canon J.L. Lamptey, our Anglican Chaplain. The ARC Youth musical group provided a soul-inspiring music ministration. The Guest Speaker was Capt. [Rtd.] Effah Dartey, the then Deputy Minister of Local Government and a member of the Accra Ridge Church. He emphasized the need to reach out to the inner cities with the word of God.
A free Medical Mission and Crusade were held on the 18'h and 19th June 2003 for the entire workers - hawkers, truck-pushers, sellers and others - at Tudu. Another one was held in 2004.

Training
To build the capacity of small-level entrepreneurs, the Church sponsored one lady member of the Tudu congregation, Mrs. Grace Nyamaa, to a GHACOE Training Programme, where she undertook a course in Batik, Tie and Dye, Screen Printing, Soap-Making, etc. She graduated on Friday, 30th May 2003, after successfully completing her training with the GHACOE Women's Ministry. She was to act as a trainer for other members.

Membership and Services
Currently, the membership of the Tudu congregation stands at 80 adults and 120 children. The 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday adult service takes place under the shed at PWD Yard, next to the STC station. A congregation, which was earlier full of men, now has an appreciable number of women.

Prayer Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays at 6.30 p.m. and Bible teaching sessions at 3.30 p.m. on Saturdays. The Children's Service constitutes teenagers, children and toddlers. There is a Children's Service (Sunday School) as well as a Teenager's Service. Their services start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 10.30 a.m. These are for children who reside in the Tudu precincts:

In 2004, about 58 adults and 30 children were baptized by the Chaplains. It was such a sight to see these men and women, who have given up their earlier tough and hard lives, surrender to Christ.

Due to increase in numbers, it became necessary to relocate the infant congregation to the C&J workshop of PWD. A part-time caretaker was also appointed for the Tudu congregation to ensure close supervision of Bible Study and mid-week activities.

We praise God for the growth which has occurred in the Tudu Sunday School.

Social Outreach
The nature of the congregation demands meeting more than spiritual needs. A member of the ARC has been providing lunch for the congregation from her own resources.
Some individual members, both from the Ridge and Manet, have also provided furniture and other items to meet the needs of the Tudu Congregation. The Women's Fellowships at both Ridge and Manet donated items, such as clothing and footwear, to the members at Tudu.

Challenges
1. The meeting place at Tudu for the adult service does not provide adequate shelter due to leaking roofs. It is open on all sides.
2. There is the need for consistent discipleship for emerging leaders.
3. The Children's Services are held in the open. This calls for a temporary shelter for them.
4. There is the need for a fund to cater for the education of the children and their health needs.