Awukugua Wesley Methodist Church was founded in 1882 by three men, namely; Opanyin Kwame Yirebi a.k.a Kwame Asare, Opanyin Oduku a.k.a Atiemo and Opanyin Robert a.k.a Kwaku Larbi
These three sons from Awukugua attended a funeral at Aburi Methodist formally called “Kemp”. They were so moved by the lyrics (Abibidwom) which were sung at the funeral that they decided to surrender to the Christian faith. The lyrics had something in common with their group band called “Kununku”.
After worshipping with them for some time, the Minister, Rev. Stan Hope advised them to go to Larteh where there was a branch of the Methodist Church. Larteh was nearer to Awukugua than Aburi. They worshiped with Larteh Methodist Church and when their number increased, they decided to establish a branch of the Church at Awukugua in 1882.
The only son of Opanyin Kwame Yirebi, Teacher Addo became the first Caretaker of the Church. He donated the big bell to the Church. According to them the bells were two but when crossing the River Volta at Akuse one fell into the river which they could not retrieve.
Teacher Addo named his son Kwame Asare after his father. Kwame Asare grew up and gave birth to a son whom he also named after his father Teacher Addo. The great grandson of Opanyin Yirebi, the late Teacher Addo who was the head of the family and the only surviving grandson.
While the Church was progressing, they started a Methodist School and employed Okyereko Kwapong as a Teacher. He was also to take care of the Church and he therefore became a Teacher-Catechist. Mr. Okyereko Kwapong was a native of Akropong – Akuapem. He married one Maame Amma Kuma and for marrying a native of Awukugua, he was given a piece of land to put up a house. When he was leaving Awukugua for good, he donated his house to be used as a Mission House for the Awukugua Methodist Church.
Awukugua Methodist Church gave birth to Apirede Methodist Church and Adukrom Methodist Church. They became part of Larteh Circuit until the creation of Adukrom Circuit.
For more than a century after establishment of the Methodist Church at Awukugua, Catechists were appointed to take care of the Church until 1985.
The table below shows the Ministers who have served Awukugua Wesley Methodist Church to date.
REV. J.K. BUABENG ODOOM 1985 – 1988
REV. K. OMANE ACHEAMFOUR 1988 – 1989
REV. K. OMAR ADADE 1989 – 1990
REV. K. OBENG ASIAMAH 1990 – 1992
REV. JAMES .E. DADZIE 1992 – 1996
REV. EBENEZER .O. THOMPSON, 1996 – 1997 (Deceased)
REV. EBENEZER .D. LARBI 1997 – 1999 (Deceased)
REV. E.O. QUARTEY 2002 – 2004
REV. CHARLES.D. KORANTENG 2004 – 2008 (Deceased)
REV. SAMUEL ANDERSON QUAINOO, 2008 – 2010
REV. EMMANUEL ADU-GYAMFI 2010 – 2013
VERY REV. MOSES T. TERKPE, 2013 – 2017
VERY ALFERD ESSON MENSAH, 2017 – 2018
REV. ERIC ANTWI, 2018 – 2021
REV. ISAAC YAO BOAMAH JNR. 2021-TO DATE
In 2009, the Society adopted the Methodist Church’s system of leadership where a Society Lay Chairmanship was established.
J. K. ADU 2009 – 2015
NANA KWAME MPEREH 2015 – 2021
CHRISTIAN AFFRAM GYEKYETEY 2021 – To Date
After 2004 to date, the Society has had five (5) stewards. Namely:
BRO MOSES LARBI, 2005 – 2017
BRO. J.K. ADU 1999 – 2015
BRO. ISAAC OWUSU ADDO 2016 – 2019
BRO. EMMANUEL NORTEI 2017 – TO DATE
SIS AUGUSTINA FRIMPONG 2020 – TO DATE
Rt. Rev. Noah Danquah after his Superannuation also served Awukugua Wesley Society until his death in 2011.
The following members also served the Church in various capacities at the Leaders Meeting; Gladys Appiah, P.D. Mensah, Matilda Addo, Elizabeth Kwao, Comfort Addai, Sophia Odoi, Beatrice Adu and Racheal Mpere. Others are S.R. Asare, Grace Odoi, Sister Florence and Agnes Mantey.
The Pulpit which the Church was using was given by the Mother Church, Larteh Calvary Methodist Church. We are very grateful to our Mother Church.
The new Pulpit currently in use was donated by Accra Fertility Center under the leadership of Dr. Richard Banful CEO of Medifem, Westlands.
The Church had put up additional 6-unit classroom block, office and a store which has been roofed through the assistance of Hon. Dan Botwe, MP. for Okere Constituency. The intention of putting up the additional school block was to avoid the shift system.
In 2017, the Society was able to put up a new Manse for Ministers during the time of Very Rev. Moses Terkper and a Committee led by Dr. Nana Henaku Larbi. Some individuals who supported the building of the Manse financially include the Very Rev. Dr. Mpere Gyekye, Justice (Mrs) Irene Charity Larbi, Dr. Nana Henaku Larbi, Mr & Mrs. Antto – Kwakwa, Ms Brigid Ohene – Larbi, the Late Nana Addo Mantey II, Wo1 Charles K. Num (Rtd), Mr. Moses Larbi (Steward) Nana Otu Ntow Ampam.
The Late Very Rev. H.G. Ayerakwa’s Mrs. Ruby La Frances, Mr. Boateng and Sons, Nana Asare Agyemang and family, Madam Cecelia Danso and family, Nana Yaw Asare Agyemang, Dr. Foe Mantey, Mr. C.C. Mpere and Mr. C.C. Atiemo and furnished by the children of Rt. Rev. Noah Dankwa.
In conclusion, we thank God for his guidance and mercies as we recognize and appreciate the entire congregation of Wesley Methodist Society over the years and now for their commitment and selfless services towards the 140 years of Methodism in Awukugua land.
