Hill House Friends Meeting
5th October 2025
As we mark one hundred years of Quaker witness in Ghana, we pause in deep gratitude — to God whose Spirit has faithfully guided this journey, and to the generations of Friends whose courage, service, and steadfast faith have built and sustained this community.
From humble beginnings, the Religious Society of Friends in Ghana has become a living testimony of peace, simplicity, and integrity — values that continue to speak powerfully to our nation and beyond. Through quiet service, education, social witness, and worship, Friends have sought to build a more just and peaceful society.
We give thanks for the countless individuals who have shared their time, talents, and resources to nurture this vision. Their faithfulness reminds us that the Light of God still leads us, calling us to love, compassion, and justice.
As we celebrate this centenary — which coincides with World Quaker Day — we also look to the future with renewed commitment. Our next chapter will build on the foundations of the past through the following initiatives:
1. Establishing Ghana as a hub for West African Quaker cooperation — promoting communication between Friends across the subregion, and developing a Centre for Quaker initiatives in education, training, volunteerism, mentoring, and small-scale sustainable farming. Land for this has been secured in Elmina.
2. Developing attenders, members, and meetings for worship in new regions — including Central, Volta, and Greater Accra.
3. Creating youth programs to deepen understanding of Quaker beliefs and practices, and to show their relevance for personal growth and social contribution.
4. Reintroducing the Easter Gathering of Quakers in Ghana, once a cherished annual tradition of fellowship and spiritual renewal.
5. Encouraging participation in social justice networks, including initiatives around juvenile rehabilitation and the care of marginalized persons.
As we reflect on this milestone, we remember the timeless question asked of Jesus:
“What is the greatest commandment?”
‘The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’
As Friends, we believe there is that of God in everyone. Within this truth lies our daily call — to love God who is present within each of us, and to love one another as bearers of the same divine light.
In celebrating this centenary, we have lived out that commandment — reaching out to our neighbours in Ghana and across East Africa who have joined us here in Achimota, Accra. The fellowship shared among us has strengthened our bonds and inspired a collective vision: to share the African Quaker perspective on self-development and social justice with all of Africa, influencing change and deepening participation in Quaker life.
As we close this centenary celebration, we extend heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to this remarkable journey.
May this 100th year mark the dawn of a new century of faithfulness, courage, and service.
May we continue to be peacemakers, advocates for the marginalized, and stewards of God’s creation.
And may our lives remain enduring testimonies of love, truth, and peace.
Leslie S. Ephson
Clerk, Hill House Friends Meeting
