Nigerian gospel minister and ordained pastor, Akan Christopher Edem aka Minstrel Akan is set to take his biannual worship programme, Praise Jesus, outside Nigeria for the first time, with the 19th edition scheduled for October 18, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.
The programme, which began in June 2018, will form part of Akan’s Ghana Ministry Tour and feature praise, worship, music ministry and Christian fellowship.
Akan, who serves with Assemblies of God Nigeria, said the decision to take the programme beyond Nigeria was inspired by his desire to extend its message to worshippers in other countries.
According to him, the vision behind Praise Jesus has always been to create an atmosphere where people can focus on God, celebrate His faithfulness and strengthen their relationship with Him.
“Praise is universal, and Jesus is not limited by nationality, language or borders,” Akan said, adding that Ghana represents the beginning of the programme’s international expansion.
Since its establishment, Praise Jesus has been held as a platform for praise and worship centred on the Christian faith. Akan said the journey over the past eight years had taught him important lessons about obedience, perseverance and faith in God.
He noted that the various editions had come with challenges, lessons and testimonies, but said he had continued to witness what he described as God’s faithfulness.
Akan also said his experience had reinforced his belief that ministry should not be defined by the size of an audience, the prominence of a platform or public recognition.
“Ministry is not primarily about numbers, platforms or recognition. It is about obedience and remaining faithful to the assignment God has given you,” he said.
The 19th edition in Accra will be different from previous editions because it will be the first international edition since the programme was launched.
Akan said participants should expect an atmosphere of praise, worship, thanksgiving and celebration, while stressing that the programme was intended to encourage worshippers in their Christian faith.
The minister, who has also ministered in South Africa, Ghana and the United Kingdom, said his international experiences had shown him that Christian worship could transcend cultural and linguistic differences.
He explained that although musical styles, languages, instruments and rhythms may vary from one country to another, genuine worship has a common foundation.
“Worship transcends culture,” he said. “Our style may differ from minister to minister, but Jesus must remain the message.”
Akan, whose activities also extend to church leadership, youth ministry, media, education administration and event management, said his understanding of worship goes beyond singing or performing music.
For him, worship is a lifestyle expressed through obedience, character, service, choices and gratitude.
He said the conviction that “when your praise is in place, the doings of the Doer never cease” had shaped his personal walk with God and approach to ministry.
According to him, the principle has encouraged him to maintain an attitude of praise even when circumstances are difficult or unclear.
Akan also urged young Christians in Nigeria and Ghana not to lose their relationship with Jesus while pursuing careers, opportunities and other ambitions.
He said Christianity should not be reduced to church attendance or participation in religious programmes, but should influence how believers conduct their daily lives.
He further explained that praise was not “magic,” but an expression that redirects believers’ hearts to God, reminds them of His faithfulness and strengthens their confidence in Him.
The Ghana edition of Praise Jesus is expected to mark a new chapter in Akan’s ministry as he seeks to extend the programme’s reach beyond Nigeria.
