Follow Us on Google
By Damiete Braide
For the first time, pastor, singer and worship leader, Christopher Edem aka Minstrel Akan, is taking his worship programme, Praise Jesus, beyond Nigeria, with the 19th edition holding in Accra, Ghana on October 18.
Established in June 2018, Praise Jesus is built around creating an atmosphere of exaltation to Jesus Christ as “the king of glory, healer, deliverer, provider, defender, sustainer and redeemer.”
The Minstrel Akan’s Ghana Ministry Tour marks a new chapter in his worship programme that has spanned more than two decades. It will feature praise, music and fellowship, bringing worshippers together to celebrate the faithfulness of God.
For Minstrel Akan, his decision to take Praise Jesus to Ghana is driven by a desire to see his message and worship reach people beyond geographical boundaries.
He said the decision to begin the international journey in Ghana reflects his belief that praise is universal and that the message of Jesus transcends nationality, language and borders.
“Since Praise Jesus began in June 2018, the vision has always been to create an atmosphere where people can turn their hearts completely to God and other celebrate who He is. We are starting with Ghana and we trust God to be in nations,” he quipped.
Reflecting on the journey since the programme began, the Assemblies of God’s pastor said the experience had strengthened his understanding of God’s faithfulness.
According to him, every edition has brought its own challenges, lessons and testimonies, but God has consistently made a way.
Akan noted that his ministry was not primarily about numbers, platforms or recognition, but about obedience and remaining faithful to the assignment God entrusted to him.
“The Ghana Tour will be particularly significant because it is the first international edition of Praise Jesus since its establishment. Therefore, worshippers in Accra should expect an atmosphere of sincere praise, worship, thanksgiving and celebration, with the goal of helping participants encounter God, celebrate His faithfulness and leave encouraged in their faith,” he enthused.
Describing worship as a lifestyle of honouring God, Minstrel Akan insists music remains its important expression, while genuine worship involves obedience, character, service, choices, gratitude and the way believers live their lives.
“You can sing beautifully and still miss the essence of worship if your life does not acknowledge the one you are singing about,” he said.
To the gospel minister, the theme of his worship programme is anchored on the conviction that “when your praise is in place, the doings of the Doer never cease,” linking the message to Exodus 15:11.
Akan explained further that the conviction has taught him to maintain an attitude of praise regardless of the circumstances, while approaching ministry with gratitude rather than entitlement.
Having ministered in Nigeria and internationally, including South Africa, Ghana and the United Kingdom, Minstrel Akan said his experiences had shown him that worship transcends culture.
He observed that although musical styles, languages, instruments, rhythms and expressions may differ, genuine understanding of Jesus creates a common language of worship.
His message to young Christians is that they should not lose Jesus while pursuing opportunities, information and platforms.
He urged young people to see Christianity as more than church attendance or participation in music programmes, stressing the importance of knowing Jesus and allowing Him to influence their daily lives.
The gospel singer also emphasised that praise is not magic, but a means of redirecting believers’ hearts to God, reminding them of His faithfulness and strengthening their confidence in Him.
