The Methodist Church Ghana in the Greater Accra Region has paid glowing tribute to the Very Reverend John Godfery Bortey, a Superintendent Minister of the Church, as he marked his 80th birthday.
The Very Reverend Bortey is the Superintendent at the Beatrice Borley Tackie Memorial Methodist Church at Nungua.
The celebration, organised by both the membership and leadership of the church, was held in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Christian ministry and distinguished service to the Methodist Church.
Affectionately known as Osofo Bortey, the Very Rev. Bortey has served the Church in several leadership capacities across the Accra Diocese, including as Circuit Minister, Diocesan Youth Organiser and Society Minister in various communities.
The leadership and Church Council of the Nungua West Methodist Society highlighted his humanitarian sacrifices following his return to active service in 2016 after retirement.
They noted that he played a key role in the transformation of the church’s infrastructure, including the use of personal resources to upgrade the facility from a wooden structure to a modern edifice with offices, while work on a minister’s manse was nearing completion.
“Since 2016, Very Rev. J. G. Bortey has demonstrated visionary and selfless leadership, transforming Nungua West Methodist Society’s facilities, supporting education and exemplifying commitment, sacrifice and unwavering service,” Mr Samuel Bonney, a Leader AT Nungua West Methodist Church Society, stated.
Mr Elvis Wallace-Bruce, a former Society Steward of Ebenezer Methodist Church, Prampram, recalled working with Very Rev. Bortey at the Immanuel Methodist Society in Tema, describing him as a dynamic leader who empowered the youth, promoted community cohesion and encouraged physical fitness through initiatives such as the annual Homowo Marathon.
He also mentioned a Christian-based mentorship programme for adolescent girls introduced by the reverend minister, which later received commendation at Synod.
Mr Kwesi Asare, former Steward of Immanuel Methodist Church, Tema Community Eleven, said he served alongside Very Rev. Bortey from 2001 to 2004, overseeing the transition from the old chapel to a new church building, including flooring works, glass installations and pews.
“Today, we are both celebrating our January birthdays at ages 86 and 80 with local dishes,” he added.
Madam Charlotte Lilly Appiah, a church member, said since joining the society, Very Rev Bortey had been a source of encouragement to many, noting his transparency in church finances, effective fundraising efforts and consistent support for members in need.
Mr Jeff Asare, former Society Steward of Teshie Methodist Society, described Very Rev Bortey as a father and mentor whose counsel had positively shaped both his faith and family life, adding that his leadership was marked by wisdom, humility and consistency.
In his response, Very Rev Bortey expressed gratitude to the congregation and urged members to take their spiritual journey seriously, stressing the importance of active engagement with scripture to guide daily life and decision-making.
He advised the youth, particularly university students, to remain firmly rooted in the Word of God and cautioned them against involvement in occultic practices.