PENTECOSTALISM AND THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE CASE OF MAMA SARAH PRAYER CAMP AT GOKA. 9/12/2016
Dr. Edmund Akwesi Agyeman and Dr. Emmanuel Carsamer of the University of Education as part of a donor funded research on “Pentecostalism and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship: the case of Mama Sarah Prayer Camp at Goka”, funded by John Templeton foundation in the US through the Nagel Institute had a dissemination seminar on the study at the Catholic University College of Ghana on 9th December, 2016. There were three presentations by Dr. Sackey Akomea, Rev. Fr. Peter Oppong Kumi (chaplain CUC) and the main researchers.
Dr. Sackey Akomea who spoke on entrepreneurship emphasized being proactive, innovative, and risk taking as indicators of an entrepreneur. He stated that the role of the intraprenuer in a business was so important for the growth of businesses, hence individuals must learn to think outside the box to become successful entre/ intrapreneur. Dr. Sackey Akomea then walked participants through the concept of idea generation and visibility studies as key tools for effective entrepreneurs.
Rev. Fr. Peter Oppong Kumi in the second presentation traced the success story of the Pax Garments Limited in Sunyani owned by the Catholic Church. He explained how religion combined with entrepreneurship skills has contributed to the expansion and growth of Pax Garments Limited in Sunyani. He listed how the understanding of Physical Capital, Knowledge Capital, Human Capital, and Social Capital contributed positively to the success of Pax Garments Limited in Sunyani.
The Key Researchers on the main topic “Pentecostalism and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship: the case of Mama Sarah Prayer Camp at Goka “, took participants through the history of Mama Sarah and the establishment of the prayer camp at Goka in the Jaman North district of the Brong – Ahafo region of Ghana.
The findings of the research show how Mama Sarah used religion to liberate women and later men from negative cultural and traditional practices that inhibited growth and development, and encouraging her patrons into very successful businesses in the Goka community.
In all, there were about 60 participants from both UEW and CUCG, as well as some dignitaries from Goka.
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