Golden Jubilee: ECKANKAR commended for five decades of peace, spirituality and social impact

ECKANKAR Ghana has officially unveiled its year-long 50th Anniversary celebrations, with the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, describing the organization’s teachings and values as “more relevant than ever” in a world increasingly challenged by conflict, materialism and uncertainty.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony held at the ECKANKAR Temple on Wednesday in Okponglo, Accra, Hon. Sowah delivered a message on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and the Government of Ghana, while also expressing her personal pride as a daughter of La, the traditional area that hosts the ECKANKAR Temple.

“I am standing here also as a proud woman from La, and I am happy my chiefs gave you the land to settle on peacefully. This is what the people of La are prepared to do,” she said, drawing applause from the gathering.

The Deputy Minister congratulated the leadership and members of ECKANKAR Ghana for reaching the historic milestone and acknowledged the organization's remarkable journey since its official registration in Ghana in February 1976.

“On behalf of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the people of Ghana, I extend warm congratulations to the leadership and students of ECKANKAR Ghana on reaching this significant milestone,” she stated.

She noted that over the past five decades, ECKANKAR Ghana has steadily grown into an important component of Ghana’s religious landscape, contributing significantly to the spiritual growth and moral development of countless individuals across the country.

“Today, we celebrate ECKANKAR’s five decades in Ghana—five decades of dedicated service to spiritual growth and moral development, and a long-standing commitment to all life,” she emphasized.

Hon. Sowah praised the organization for promoting spiritual awareness through seminars, workshops, educational programmes, community outreach initiatives and sound services, which she said have positively impacted many lives throughout the country.

The occasion was also used to unveil the 50th Anniversary Celebration Logo and the theme: Celebrating 50 Years Of ECKANKAR in Ghana -- Learning to Love as God Loves.

According to her, one of ECKANKAR’s most distinctive teachings is its emphasis on understanding the human being as Soul—a divine part of God—a philosophy that encourages people to seek direct personal experiences with the Divine.

She explained that ECKANKAR teaches that every Soul enters the physical world to gain experience, develop spiritual awareness and learn to live with unconditional love under all circumstances.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted the teachings of karma and reincarnation as important spiritual principles that encourage personal responsibility, compassion and awareness of the long-term consequences of one’s thoughts, words and actions.

“The ECK teachings inspire purposeful, responsible living characterized by love, tolerance, respect and service to all life,” she said.

She stressed that these values remain highly relevant in today’s world.

“In a world increasingly challenged by conflict, ambition, materialism and uncertainty, the values promoted by ECKANKAR remain relevant in our time. The emphasis on inner peace, spiritual freedom, personal responsibility and love for all life contributes significantly to harmony within communities and helps build a more compassionate society,” she noted.

Hon. Sowah also commended ECKANKAR Ghana for its role in promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, describing these contributions as vital to preserving Ghana’s reputation as one of the world’s most peaceful and religiously tolerant nations.

“ECKANKAR Ghana has been active in fostering peace values and working with other religious organizations to promote national unity and social awareness,” she observed.

As the organization embarks on its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Deputy Minister encouraged members to reflect on their achievements while preparing for future opportunities and challenges.

“We must let this anniversary serve as a renewed call to deepen our personal commitment to moral and spiritual integrity, service to life, youth development and national progress,” she urged.

Looking ahead, Hon. Sowah expressed optimism about the future of ECKANKAR Ghana and its continued impact on society.

“May the next 50 years bring greater growth, greater service and greater contributions to the spiritual development of the people of Ghana and the world,” she said.

Bringing her address to a close, the Deputy Minister officially declared the Golden Jubilee celebrations open.

“On this auspicious occasion, and in the name of God the Creator, I hereby officially launch the 50th Anniversary Celebration of ECKANKAR Ghana. I wish the organization a successful and memorable Golden Jubilee celebration.”

The launch marks the beginning of a year-long programme of activities commemorating ECKANKAR Ghana’s 50 years of spiritual service, peacebuilding, community engagement and commitment to the advancement of spiritual values in Ghana and beyond.

On his part, the President of ECKANKAR Ghana, Aspect Cuaiquo, described the occasion as a moment of immense joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the future of the organization.

"In the year 2026, we mark 50 years since the grant of the Charter of our affiliation to ECKANKAR," he announced. "As we look back on our history with gratitude, let us look forward to the future with renewed energy and vigor. The next chapter holds even greater promise."

According to him, the Board of Trustees established an Advisory Planning Committee to oversee activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration, with the official launch serving as the first major event on the anniversary calendar.

Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Aspect Cuaiquo expressed delight at the diverse gathering and the opportunity to strengthen relationships within and outside the ECKANKAR community.

"We are doing this with absolute joy. To see so many familiar faces, friends, and those we are meeting for the first time in the history of ECKANKAR Ghana under one roof to mark this incredible milestone is truly inspiring," he said.

The ECKANKAR Ghana President emphasized that while the organization is celebrating its present achievements, it remains conscious of the journey that brought it to this point and the future it seeks to build.

"Even though we are talking about the now, we also know that the past leads to now, and the now leads to the future," he noted, urging members and supporters to embrace the opportunities ahead.

Aspect Cuaiquo also paid glowing tribute to traditional authorities across the country for their longstanding support and cooperation with ECKANKAR's activities over the years.

"Wherever we operated, we did so under the ambit of the traditional rulers. If anything is going on in a community, we must obtain permission, and in most cases, the chiefs have said, 'You are welcome.' We are grateful for that support," he stated.

He disclosed that invitations had already been extended to traditional leaders, including the La Mantse, as well as government officials within the community to witness and participate in the anniversary celebrations.

The ECKANKAR Ghana President further underscored the organization's commitment to fostering stronger community relations throughout the anniversary year, indicating that several activities would be rolled out periodically to engage the public and deepen awareness about the teachings of ECKANKAR.

"This celebration is going to continue throughout the year. From time to time, we will come back to you. We want people to connect with one another and become part of our story," he said.

Describing ECKANKAR as a spiritual organization guided by divine principles, Aspect Cuaiquo stressed that every activity undertaken by the movement is rooted in faith and spiritual guidance.

"This is a religious organization, and a religious organization normally does everything under the ambit of the Holy Spirit that is in the ECK," he explained.

Concluding his remarks, he thanked members, supporters, traditional authorities, and guests for their unwavering commitment to the organization over the past five decades.

"We are very happy that you are helping us celebrate this incredible bond that has kept us united for 50 years. Thank you for being part of our story. Let us connect with one another, and I believe by the time you leave here, that connection will have been made," Aspect Cuaiquo stated.

A representative of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts, who stood in for his Minister and MP for Ketu South, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, also extended some goodwill to the ECKANKAR Community and further pledged her full support throughout the celebrations.

A key highlight of the anniversary celebrations will be the ECKANKAR Ghana 50th Anniversary Day, scheduled for September 24, 2026, as well as the African ECK Soul Adventure Seminar, which will take place at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana and is expected to attract more than 7,000 participants from across Africa and beyond.

The launch officially sets the stage for a year of commemorative activities leading up to ECKANKAR Ghana's Golden Jubilee celebrations, a landmark event expected to showcase the organization's contributions to spiritual development, social harmony, and religious growth in Ghana over the last 50 years.