The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) mourns the passing of its former Moderator, the Very Reverend Japhet Yao Ledo, who peacefully transitioned on Monday, December 30th, 2024, at a private health facility in Ho, after a brief illness. He was 84 years old. The news of his demise, confirmed by his son, Samuel Koku Ledo, has cast a somber shadow over the Church and the broader community, marking the loss of a distinguished spiritual leader, educator, and community figure. Rev. Dr. Lawson Kwaku Dzanku, Clerk of the General Assembly of the EPCG, expressed the profound grief felt by the Church, recognizing the late Moderator’s invaluable contributions and describing his death as a significant blow to the EPCG community.
Rev. Ledo’s journey of service began in his hometown of Klefe, located within the Ho Municipality. His dedication to education and ministry led him to Jasikan Training College, where he graduated in 1966. After a period of teaching, he answered the call to ministry, enrolling at Trinity College (now Trinity Theological Seminary) in Accra in 1972. Upon completing his theological studies, he was ordained as a Minister of the EPCG on August 8th, 1976, embarking on a path that would shape the Church for decades to come.
His ministry within the EPCG spanned various stations, reflecting his commitment to serving the spiritual needs of the community. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to further equip himself for ministry, Rev. Ledo pursued higher education at Princeton University in the United States, earning a Master’s degree. Upon his return to Ghana, he shared his acquired wisdom and scholarship by teaching at the EPCG’s Seminary in Peki, nurturing future generations of ministers.
Rev. Ledo’s leadership qualities and dedication to the Church culminated in his election as the tenth Moderator of the EPCG, a position he held from January 1993 to January 2001. During his tenure, he provided spiritual guidance and steered the Church through a period of growth and development. Even after his retirement as Moderator, he remained actively involved in the Church’s affairs, demonstrating unwavering commitment to its mission. He served in various capacities, including Chairman of the EPCG University Fundraising Committee, playing a crucial role in establishing the E. P. University in Ho, a testament to his vision and commitment to education.
Beyond his formal roles within the Church, Rev. Ledo’s contributions extended to the broader community. In 2015, he was recognized by the Volta Heroes Foundation, an NGO, for his instrumental role in the establishment of the E. P. University. This honor underscored his impact on education and community development, solidifying his legacy as a role model and an inspiration to others.
The Very Rev. Japhet Yao Ledo’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of faith, service, and scholarship. He leaves behind a rich legacy within the EPCG, the Volta region, and Ghana as a whole. His unwavering commitment to education, his leadership within the Church, and his contributions to the community have left an indelible mark on the lives of many. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Esther Ledo, two sons, and a daughter, who will carry forward his memory and the values he embodied. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course following family consultations, allowing the Church and community to gather and celebrate the life of this remarkable man.
