The burial and thanksgiving service has been held for Rev. Alex Omane, who was a former lecturer and the Dean of Academic of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) (former SGBI). The event which took place on 21st November 2020 was held on the southern campus of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) at Saltpond. The solemn event was officiated by the General Superintendent of the Church, Rev. Prof Paul Frimpong Manso. Present to assist him were Rev. Dr. Kwame Bansah (General Secretary), Regional Superintendents, former and current President of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Pastors, Retired Ministers, members of the Church and loved ones from all walks of life were present at the event to pay their last respect to their beloved Rev. Alex Omane.
In a sermon preached by Rev. Prof. Frederick Kyereko themed “Deathday is better than birthday”, he noted that the day the Christian dies is better than the day he was born. With the scripture reading taken from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Prof. Frederick Kyereko emphasized the three reasons why the Christian death day is better than the day he was born. He indicated that death offers the Christian a better house and suggested that as “Rev. Omane leaves us today…he has been taken to his permanent, perfect and unlimited house built by God”. The next reason was that death offers the Christian a heavenly cloth or access to a better dress. This dress is described as a superior dress that doesn’t expose our nakedness. Finally, after death, the Christian will be rewarded for his/or deeds on earth. He admonished the congregants present to work hard so they are rewarded after death and stated that Rev. Omane will be rewarded for his works. Prof. Frederick Kyereko who happened to be a friend to the late Rev. Omane summarized his sermon by insisting that “No Death, No better house; No death, No reward”.
The General Superintendent, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong Manso led the congregants to offer prayers to the bereaved family. Tributes were also read on the occasion with notable ones from the widow. Mrs. Mary Omane eulogized her late husband as “father, brother, Pastor, prayer partner, teacher, counselor and encourager who had always supported her and was solidly behind her in all endeavors”. She also indicated that Rev. Omane was selfless, kind, passionate, and always had a passion to help others even when it was not favorable to do so. He held the principles of not wanting to be a burden on anybody, but never considered people who sought his assistance as a burden to him”. Other tributes poured in for the dead including those from the General Council of AG, Central Regional Council of AG, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Children, etc.
Rev. Alex Omane passed away in his home on October 10, 2020. He left behind a wife, Mrs. Mary Omane, four children, and six grandchildren.
Biography of the late Rev. Alex Omane
Rev. Alex Omane was born on 10th July 1945 at Abepotia near Nkawkaw-Kwahu in the Eastern Region of Ghana, to Opanyin Kofi Kodie and Obaapanin Ama Agyapomaa both of blessed memory. Yaw Omane, as the parents and the family affectionately called him, started formal education at the Nkawkaw Presbyterian School in 1955. Right from primary school, Yaw exhibited strong tendencies for academic brilliance.
He worked at Nkawkaw Hotel from 1964-1966. After a year at the hotel, he moved to the accounts department. Rev. Omane accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1964 and was baptized in water the same year. God called him into full-time ministry while he was working at the hotel. He subsequently studied at the Southern Ghana Bible College (Ghana); the West Africa Advanced School of Theology (Togo); and the Centre for International Christian Ministries (London). He was also privileged to attend the Leadership Seminar at Haggai Institute (Singapore), and he pursued short courses at the Ghana Institute of journalism.
Rev. Omane married Miss Mary Boamah now Mrs. Mary Omane on 3rd January 1976. The Lord blessed their 44 years of marriage with four sons namely Robison Omane-Agyei, Richard Omane Asiedu, Ernest Omane Kodie, and Theophilus Annan; and six grandchildren – Kwame, Nhyira, Nana Yaa, Eunice, Rhoda and Rosina. Rev. Omane encouraged and supported his wife during her time as the Director of the Women Ministry in the Central Region, by the grace of God.
Rev. Omane was a life-long learner. His passion for acquiring knowledge inspired his children to enroll at the top three boys’ schools in the central region (St. Augustine’s College, Adisadel College, and Mfantsipim School) and to go on to add value to society. Rev. Omane had a wonderful, watershed experience earlier in his career. While he was on vacation from the Bible College from December 1968 to February 1969, he had the privilege to pastor two churches at Techiman and Tuobodom in Bono East Region.
The lessons he learned during this period would set the course for his future service to God and various church communities in Ghana. After graduating from Bible College, he pastored five local churches in the Ashanti Region: Nerebehi, Nyinahim, Nwansamere, Baakonniaba ‘ and Kyrayawso from 1970 to 1973.
He taught at the Southen Ghana Bible College from 1975 to 1977 before he gained admission to pursue further studies at the West Africa Advanced School of Theology. From 1980 to 1983, he served as the pastor of Madina Central A/G and ministered for seven years at Ebenezer A/G Kotobabi from 1984-1991. He was also actively involved in planting several churches during this period.
Rev. Omane received another appointment to teach at the Southern Ghana Bible College in 1991. He worked in various capacities during his second spell at the College including the instructor, dean of students, counselor and secretary to the staff and the board of governors. His ministry at the Bible College spanned 26 years. Rev. Omane occasionally juggled pastoral duty with his role at the Bible College. He pastored Deliverance A/G, Mankessim for a year in 1994 where he steered the congregation through a period of a serious crisis for the church. Additional pastoral responsibility led him to shepherd Calvary A/G, Cape Coast from March to June 2002 and then from April to July 2003.
He held several positions in the broader Assemblies of God Organization in Ghana including Regional Secretary in Greater Accra Region; Men’s Ministry Director; Men’s Ministry Coordinator and Treasurer for the former Coastal District Council,
In retirement, he pursued some of his hobbies inclining sharing jokes with loved ones, reading, preaching, and counseling. He passed away in his home on 10th October 2020. Rev. Omane cherished his years of labour in the Lord’s Vineyard with his wife, Mary, and always looked backed on his ministry as a great blessing
