Joseph Attoh 
The Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) made significant strides in 2025, reaching more than 1,300 beneficiaries through its Alternative Livelihood and Skills Development initiatives, alongside the Agricultural Development Programme (ADeP).
This was disclosed by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, during the presentation of the 2025 State of the Church Address at the opening session of the 48th General Council Meetings, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Under its livelihood interventions, PENTSOS continued to create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for members within cocoa-growing communities and vulnerable urban centres. A key highlight was the Small Ruminant Rearing Project, which supported farmers with the rearing of rabbits, goats and other livestock to boost household income and economic resilience.
To further strengthen skills development, the church constructed four new vocational training centres in the Bolgatanga and Essam-Debiso Areas, increasing the total number of centres to seven nationwide. Together with the Baatsona Pentecost Vocational Centre, these facilities provided apprenticeship training in weaving, catering, cosmetology and fashion design to 375 young people.
In addition, the Graduate Apprentice Expansion Module equipped 134 master craftsmen and women with professional tools to expand their enterprises. This intervention has produced a multiplier effect, as beneficiaries are now offering free training opportunities to 246 new apprentices. The Community-Based Apprenticeship Module also enrolled 274 individuals into various vocational training programmes across several Areas of the church.
Meanwhile, under the Agricultural Development Programme (ADeP), PENTSOS recorded notable progress in advancing food security and promoting resilient livelihoods. The Juapong Agricultural Intervention, which aims to utilise 100 acres of land for youth empowerment, supported 14 beneficiaries to cultivate 18 acres of cassava, with assistance including ploughing services, seedlings and fertilisers.
Efforts to promote climate resilience and year-round farming led to the introduction of irrigation systems in the Afram Plains and Effiduase Areas. The initiative covered approximately 100 acres of farmland and benefited 69 farmers through the distribution of water-pumping machines and related accessories.
PENTSOS also enhanced agricultural value addition through the establishment of processing centres. The Siniensi Shea Butter Processing Centre in the Builsa North Municipality of the Upper East Region, commissioned in March 2025, has already supported 45 local processors and generated income. Meanwhile, a semi-mechanised palm oil processing facility at Tweapease is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
Additionally, in the Sawla Area, PENTSOS collaborated with local leadership to support 103 farmers to cultivate 300 acres of cashew. Since 2024, this initiative has expanded to benefit 122 farmers across 371 acres.
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