Thursday, April 18, 2024

PROFILE OF REV. DR. KWABENA OPUNI-FRIMPONG, PhD, MTh, BA

REV. DR. KWABENAOPUNI-FRIMPONG is a Lecturer in African Christianity at the Department of Religious Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi since 2005 and a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) since 1991. He is a former General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Study of Religions from University of Ghana Legon, Master of Theology in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education Richmond, Virginia USA and a Doctor of Philosophy in African Christianity from Akrofi Christaller Institute, Akropong Akuapem – Ghana. His areas of specialisation are African Christianity, Public Theology, African Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Christian Faith. His research interests are the Christian Faith and Akan Culture, Christian Theology and Socio-Political Issues in Ghana, Akan Traditional Patterns of Learning and Formation Patterns of Akan Traditional Leaders.

He has presented papers at several national and international conferences and has a number of publications in refereed journals to his credit. He teaches courses at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the Department of Religious Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, KNUST. He has supervised a number of research projects at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels and has guided students in the preparation of long essays and theses for MPhil and PhD examinations. He has further served as internal examiner for MPhil and PhD theses for the School of Graduate Studies, KNUST. He is a former Head of Department of Religious Studies and served on a number of Committees at the Department of Religious Studies and Faculty of Social Sciences.

He is a member of professional bodies including the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa (ACAA) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). He has served as Moderator for the Department of Biblical Studies of All Nations University College, Koforidua on behalf of KNUST and an Adjunct Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon. He has been appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana to serve on several Advisory State Boards, Councils and Committees including Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Board, Ghana Prisons Service Council, Ministry of Finance Advisory Board, Ghana Library Board, Zongo Development Fund Board, Public Interest and Accountability Committee, National Curriculum and Assessment Council and Star Ghana Governing Board.

Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong has served as a Minister in several Congregations of PCG. He is a former General Youth Secretary at PCG Head Office, Accra, a former National Secretary of the National Ministers Conference of PCG and Presbytery Chairperson of the Asante Presbytery, Kumasi of the PCG.

He has served as Participant and Facilitator in Christian Leadership Conferences of All African Conference of Churches, Nairobi Kenya, Christian Council of Angola, Christian Council of DR Congo and Christian Council of Liberia. He has also served as a Member of the Delegation of Ghana to United Nations and World Council of Churches’ Conferences.

Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong has proven himself as a visionary leader with a heart of a prophetic pastor who has provided exemplary leadership in his ministry with the PCG, CCG and other Christian Organizations. At the same time, he has been a theologian and scholar who has not only been a good teacher but also understands what it means to invest in the younger generation of Africa. He has been a good team player and team leader.  He knows how to identify the professional gifts of his staff and uses his leadership skills to both respect them and empower them for greater output. He has demonstrated this capability in his leadership roles over the years. He has a remarkable knack for studying the environment in which he has been called to lead and building on what has been achieved while being focused on new areas of growth and impact.

In his leadership in the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong demonstrated a great ability in working with church leaders and other stakeholders in the Christian Council, a gift he brings in a powerful way into other sectors.  At the same time, his prophetic instincts and ability to address issues of justice and governance as the lead voice for the ecumenical movement in Ghana has been good for Ghana.  His understanding of African culture gives him a good advantage in speaking effectively where it matters.  He speaks truth to power and also knows when the churches need to posture themselves as partners in development. It is from this base that he also values interfaith dialogue.

As a Minister of the Gospel with considerable experience in pastoral/ministerial work, higher education, international media relations, inter-faith/ecumenical relations, advocacy and outreach services delivery, etc., he has vast experience in management/administration/leadership, peace/conflict management, religion/theology, public speaking, university teaching and research management as well as boardroom experience.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND/ ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong holds Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in African Christianity from University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa / Akrofi Christaller Institute, Ghana,Master of Theology, (MTh) in Christian Education, Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, Virginia USA, Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) in Political Science and Study of Religions, University of Ghana, Legon and a Diploma in Theology, (Dip Theo), Trinity College, Legon, Accra – Ghana.

MINISTRY WITH THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA (PCG)

Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong is a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana since 1991. He has served as a Minister in Charge of various Congregations including the Christ Congregation – Akropong Akuapem, Trinity Congregation – Kwashieman, Christ Congregation – Darkuman, Nantomah Memorial Congregation –Kanda, Covenant Congregation – Dzorwulu, Ascension Congregation – North Legon, Christ Congregation – KNUST Kumasi, Oforikrom Congregation Kumasi, and Trinity Congregation – Kutunse.

As the Minister in charge of the Congregations, he has been responsible for the pastoral/spiritual, general management and administration of the Congregations. These include financial, human resource development, church growth, etc.

He has moreover, served as the Presbytery Youth Coordinator of the Akuapem/ Volta Presbytery at Akropong and the General Youth Secretary of the PCG Head Office, Accra where he was responsible for the pastoral, administrative and coordination of the Youth and Students’ Ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. In his capacity as the General Youth Secretary, he served on the Synod Committee and Synod Committee Executive Committee of PCG. He served as a Member of the National Christian Education Committee, Member/Secretary of the National Worship Committee and the Project Manager of the HIV/AIDS Project of PCG.

He has further served as the General Secretary of the National Ministers’ Conference of PCG. He was responsible for the coordination and administrative management of the Ministers of PCG, organization of annual Ministers’ Conferences, taking down minutes, issuing messages to the public, implementing decisions of Conference, dealing with general correspondence, etc.

He was elected as the Presbytery Chairperson (Regional Head/Bishop) of the Asante Presbytery of PCG in 2009. He was responsible as a Presbytery Chairperson for the pastoral, spiritual and administrative oversight of the Presbytery with 51 Districts, 776 Congregations with a membership of 113,680, including 124 Ministers/Pastors. He was the Officiating Minister for the consecration of Catechists/Church Agents, presided over the meetings of the Presbytery Sessions, Presbytery Session Council and Presbytery Session Standing Committee. He was able to increase the number of Districts in the Presbytery from 29 to 51, revamped the Presbytery’s Bookshop and Sales Depot and Guest House, established a new Secondary School (Pakyi Presbyterian Senior High School) and a new Clinic (Mesewam Presbyterian Clinic). He was able to nurture and inaugurate the Asante South and the Sefwi Presbyteries out of the Asante Presbytery. He instituted the “Mission to the Palace” through which regular pastoral visits were paid to Palaces of Traditional Leaders to share the gospel and invite traditional leaders and royals to church programs.

SCHOLAR, THEOLOGIAN AND UNIVERSITY TEACHING

Rev K. Opuni-Frimpong is a Theologian with several years of University teaching. He has served as Graduate Assistant, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg South Africa where he handled tutorials in Christian Education and a Visiting Academic at Stellenbosch University South Africa. He has been teaching at the Department of Religious Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi since 2005. He has served as Head of the Department where he was responsible for the organization of the teaching programs, maintenance of acceptable academic standards of teaching, learning, research, staff development, management, development of syllabi and courses as well as promotion of research. By virtue of his position as Head of Department, he was a Member of Statutory Boards of the University such as University Academic Board, College of Art and Social Sciences Board, Faculty of Social Sciences Board, Department of Religious Studies Board, and Chaired the Post Graduate Admissions Interview Committee of the Department. He was able to lead the processes for the introduction of a Master of Philosophy in Religious Studies program, interviewed and supervised the admission of the first batch of post–graduate students in the Department.

He is currently a lecturer in Public Theology, Religion and Public Policy in Africa, Christianity and African Culture, Religion and Media, African Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Christian Missions and Christian Education. He is also an Adjunct lecturer at the Pentecost University College Accra Ghana, Trinity Theological Seminary Legon Accra.  He is Moderator of the Department of Biblical Studies, All Nations University College, Koforidua where he moderates draft examinations questions, marked scripts, thesis reports, etc., for the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, periodically assess the curriculum of the Department, ensure administrative/academic standards are maintained, etc.

ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong is an Ecumenist who has maintained a healthy ecumenical relationship with Churches, Traditional Institutions, Muslim and other religious organizations. He served as Travelling Secretary of Scripture Union (SU) in the Asante Akyem Area and later served on the National Executive Committee of SU, Ghana. He was member of Global Partnership Committee, Presbytery of James, PC-USA and served on Pastoral Attachment at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Richmond, USA.

He is a former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG). As the Chief Executive Officer of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), which was established on 29thOctober, 1929 with a staff strength of 41 and 31 independent Member Churches in Ghana, he was responsible for the day-to-day administration of CCG. He oversaw the implementation of CCG’s Strategic Plan, provided the Council with information and proposals relevant for the formulation of relevant policies and targets. He ensured the promotion and development of good partner relationships with partners such as Bread for the World, Christian Aid, UNDP, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, DANIDA, UNHCR, etc., He undertook public witness at national and international levels through an effective communication ministry and promoted Christian Advocacy Ministry in all the Council’s programs. He also facilitated membership development and pastoral responsiveness, provided organizational leadership and coordination for effective service.

He has been deeply involved in advocacy in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Good Governance, National Peace, Peaceful Elections, Human Rights, Violence Against Women, Migration and Child Trafficking, Leadership Development, Quality Health Delivery Services, Integrity of Creation, Ecumenical Relations with the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Traditional Leadership, Office of the National Chief Imam, Ahmadiyya Muslim Movement and several Government of Ghana Ministries, Departments, Agencies as well as international agencies/bodies. He spoke and responded to all manner of national and international issues as the accredited spokesperson of the Christian Council of Ghana and in some instances, the larger Christian community (about 71% Christian population) in Ghana.

Rev K. Opuni-Frimpong is an ecumenist who brings churches together to stand above denominational interests to work towards Christian unity and to work together in addressing challenging issues in Ghana, Africa and globally.  He has remarkable understanding of the ecumenical movement in Ghana, Africa and in the world. He is a strong force of Christian unity and equally committed to African Instituted Churches, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, the Orthodox, Presbyterians, Reformed, Salvationists and other churches.

He is the General Secretary, (Chief Executive Officer) Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, a Christian organization that brings together Church leaders, academics and other professionals in Africa together to pursue Christian advocacy in effective Christian public witness, peaceful and credible elections, etc.

He was appointed as Resource Person on Media Coverage of the 2020 General Elections of Ghana by Multimedia Group and Ghanaweb. He has served as a regular TV Host of “What Is Next?”, a weekly live Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)TV educative programon public policies/national issues.

NATIONAL BOARDS, COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES

Rev Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong has been appointed to serve on National Boards and Councils that have statutory functions to play advisory roles to the President of the Republic of Ghana and other Governmental Ministries. He has been appointed by the President of the Republic Ghana to serve on several Advisory State Boards, Councils and Committees including Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Board, Ghana Prisons Service Council, Ministry of Finance Advisory Board, Ghana Library Board, Zongo Development Fund Board, Public Interest and Accountability Committee, National Curriculum and Assessment Council, National Inspectorate Board, Ministry of Education, and Governing Board, Star Ghana Foundation.He was a member of the Eminent Advisory Committee of the Electoral Commission of Ghana during the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

He has served on Governing Boards of Second Cycle Institutions among them are Board Member/Chairman, Prempeh College Board of Governors – Kumasi, Member/Chairman, Presbyterian Girls Senior High School, Kyiriapatre Kumasi, Member/Chairman, Ramseyer Vocational and Technical Institute Board of Governors –Kyiriapatre Kumasi and Member/Chairman, Atwima Kwanwoma Presbyterian Senior High School Board of Governors – Pakyi, Kumasi.

He also served as a Member of the Presidential Debate Committee of 2016 General Elections of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Member of the Advisory Committee of “Winner Takes All” of IEA and Member of the Advisory Board of Institute of Democratic Governance, Republic of Ghana.

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED AT WHICH PAPERS WERE PRESENTED

He has participated in various national and international meetings, workshops and seminars and have made presentations on varied topics of interest.

International

  1. Delegate, Mining and Faith Conference on October 11, 2021 at Lambeth Palace, London.
  2. Facilitator, Conference on Training for the Eminent Persons Ecumenical Program for Peace in Africa (EPEPPA) organized by the All African Conference of Churches at Nairobi, Kenya August 2-5, 2021.
  3. Facilitator, Aldeia Ecumenica 2020 Cuanza Norte Angola January 29- February 3, 2020
  4. Member, Peace and Reconciliation Team of All African Conference of Churches from Eight African Countries (Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Uganda, DR Congo, Benin and Ghana) for Post- Elections Peace and Reconciliation of the DR Congo at Kinshasa on February 4-8, 2019.
  5. Facilitator, Conference on the Role of the Church in Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa jointly organized by the All African Conference of Churches, Christian Council of Churches of Angola and the UNFPA at Luanda, Angola on March 18-20, 2019.
  6. Facilitator, Conference on Sustainable Peace and Leadership Development, jointly organized by All African Conference of Churches and Christian Council of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia on June 4-6, 2019
  7. Member, Ghana’s Delegation on UNFPA Nairobi Summit on the ICPD 25: Accelerating the Promise. Nairobi Kenya on November 12 – 14, 2019
  8. Member, Ghana’s Delegation on the 56th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all, United Nations Headquarters, New York January 29, – February 7, 2018
  9. Member, Ghana’s Delegation on Conference on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) by World Council of Churches at Arusha Tanzania March 7-13, 2018.
  10. Facilitator, Conference on Building the Capacity of Faith-Based Organization Leaders to function as Institution of Calm during the National Elections of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Kinshasa Congo, April 16-20, 2018.
  11. Member, Ghana’s Delegation on Partnerships for addressing maternal and child health and realizing the demographic dividend: African faith-based organizations in the lead. January 28, 2016 at UN Secretariat New York organized by UNFPA Executive Board via VCT.
  12. Delegate, Promotion of a Peaceful Africa Conference: Nairobi Kenya organized by African Union and the All African Conference of Churches, Nov 28-Dec 1, 2016
  13. Member, Ghana’s Delegation on the Regional Consultation with Faith-based Leaders on Demographic Dividend and Access to Reproductive Health Services, Dakar Senegal October 25- 27, 2015 organized by UNFPA
  14. Member, Delegation on Faith and Mining Conversation: Mine Sites Visits in Anglo American Peru June 25- July 5, 2015
  15. Delegate, Conference on Churches and Citizen Mobilization in Africa, School of Theology, Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa August 2-9, 2014.
  16. Delegate, Africa Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want Conference. Organized by All Africa Conference of Churches Nairobi Kenya November 3-4, 2014
  17. Delegate, Conference on Responding to global issues of Health and Healing: A collaborative response to the Ebola crises at Regional and National levels organized by World Council of Churches Nairobi Kenya November 24-27, 2014
  18. Member, Ghana’s Delegation on the Consultation for Regional Ecumenical Organizations and National Councils of Churches by World Council of Churches June 2-7, 2014 Nairobi Kenya
  19. Delegate, All African Conference of Churches General Secretaries’ Conference, Nairobi Kenya Dec 3- 7, 2013
  20. Delegate, Ecumenical Day of Reflection on Mining. Organized by Archbishop of Canterbury Lambert Palace London UK October 4-9, 2014
  21. Member, Delegation on Faith and Mining Conversation: Mine Sites Visits in Newmont Ghana and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana July 14-18, 2014
  22. Member, Delegation on Faith and Mining Conversation: Mine Sites Visits in Anglo American, South Africa August 23-30, 2014
  23. Delegate, Conference on Charismatic Challenge for Ecumenical Partnerships: Insights from different Contexts and Churches, Arusha Tanzania. Organized by Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau Germany and Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. Presentation topic: Pentecostalization of the Mainline Churches in Ghana: Prospects and Challenges Oct 9- 14, 2011

National

  1. Facilitator, Royals Conference on “The Role of Traditional Leaders in Socio-Economic Development of Ghana”, May 31-June 3, 2022 at Pentecost International Conference Centre, Accra.
  2. Participant, Speaker’s Breakfast Forum on “Examining Parliament’s Oversight Function on Governance of Public Goods and Services: Prospects and Challenges in the 8th Parliament” on November 15, 2021 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kumasi.
  3. Participant, Seminar on “China as the New Development Partner of Africa” organized by The Institute of Economic Affairs on October 31- November 1, 2021 at the Ambassador Birgit Storgaard Dialogue Centre, IEA, Accra.
  4. Participant, Workshop on “Public Service Ethics, Public Financial Management Act, Public Procurement Act and Corporate Governance” on August 11-12, 2020 at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Accra.
  5. Participant, Economic Management Team Town Hall Meeting with Key Note address delivered by H.E. Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana on April 3, 2019 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra.
  6. National Economic Forum. Organized by the Government of Ghana addressed by the H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana at Royal Senchi Hotel, Senchi, May 12-16, 2014.

PUBLIC LECTURES DELIVERED

  1. Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s 75th Anniversary Public Lecture on the theme The Interface between Religion and Media in Ghana on April 23, 2010 at GBC.
  2. Maiden Adinkra Lectures on the theme Culture, Education and Development on March 9, 2016 at Sunyani, Brong Ahafo.
  3. Centenary Public Lecture of Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, The Church as Agent of Consolidating Democracy, Economic Transformation and Social Equity: The Prospects and the Challenges at Ascension Presbyterian Church April 22, 2022.

PUBLICATIONS

BOOKS

  1. Opuni-Frimpong K., (2022) Indigenous Knowledge and Christian Missions. Accra: SonLife Press, (Second Edition)
  2. Opuni-Frimpong, K., (2015). Christian Ministry of Advocacy. Accra: Sonlife Press, 2015
  3. Opuni-Frimpong, K., (2013), Vision and Mission. Accra: SonLife Press
  4. Opuni-Frimpong, K., (2012), Indigenous Knowledge and Christian Missions. Accra: SonLife Press, (First Edition)

REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLES

  1. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). The Akan Traditional Leadership Formation: Some Lessons for Christian Leadership Formation. E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 2 (7), 75-91. DOI: 38159/ehass.2021272
  2. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). Akan Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Christian Faith in Ghana: A Review of the Major Works of Robert Rattray. E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 7 (8), 107-119. DOI: 38159/erats.2021781
  3. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). Christian Faith and Akan Culture in Ghana: A Review of Major Works of Sidney George Williamson. Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology 3 (2), 21-31. DOI: 38159/motbit.2021321
  4. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). Jesus Shall Reign? An Examination of Christian Mission to the Akan Palace. Pentecostalism, Charismaticism and Neo-Prophetic Movements Journal 2 (4), 29-41. DOI: 38159/pecanep.2021241
  5. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). An Exploration into Akan Traditional Patterns of Learning and its Significance for Contemporary Akan Christian Formation. Journal of Education and Learning Technology 2 (2), 17-28. 38159/jelt.2021221
  6. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). The Significance of the Black Stool as an Educational Resource in Akan Traditional Patterns of Learning. E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 7 (10), 143-154. DOI: DOI: 38159/erats.20217101
  7. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). Christian Advocacy Ministry on Pandemics: The Ghanaian example on HIV/AIDS. Pentecostalism, Charismaticism and Neo-Prophetic Movements Journal 2 (5), 42-51. DOI: 38159/pecanep.2021251
  8. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). Christian Advocacy Ministry in African Christianity: The Nature, Prospects and Challenges in Ghana. Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology 3 (4), 57-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2021351
  9. Opuni-Frimpong, K. (2021). Doing Public Theology in African Christianity: A Reflection on Communiques by Churches in Ghana. E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 7 (11), 190-200. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20217111
  10. Opuni-Frimpong, K.& Ntiamoah M. K. (2021). Conversion Experience of Akan Christian Royals in Ghana. E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 2 (11), 179-190. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20212112.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

He is a Member/General Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) of the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa and member of UTAG.

AWARDS

Conferment of Honorary Award by the Institute of Directors – Ghana with the citation, “In recognition of your outstanding leadership in the promotion of good corporate governance and excellent leadership in your sphere of influence” November 22, 2019.

ICT SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

HOBBIES

Football and Backyard Gardening

FAMILY LIFE

Rev Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong is married to Mrs. Abigail Opuni-Frimpong with five (5) adult children and four (4) grandchildren.

CONTACTS

Department of Religious Studies

Faculty of Social Sciences

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Email: opuni@hotmail.com/opuni24@yahoo.com

Mobile: +233 244801324 /+ 233 504801324

Website: kopunifrimpong.org

Contact us: opuni@hotmail.com

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© 2018 Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong