Accra: The Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) has launched the 2024 edition of the Ghana Annual Missions Conference (GEMAFEST), empowering Christians to fulfill the great commission in the workplace. This year's conference is themed 'Ghana to the Nations: Faith, Work, Business, and the Great Commission,' with an emphasis on the workplace as a crucial mission field. According to Ghana News Agency, Rev. Dr. Godwin Kofi Ahlijah, President of GEMA, stated that the church had overlooked a large segment of the Christian community, particularly those working in marketplaces, banks, the judiciary, and various entrepreneurial fields. He emphasized that GEMAFEST's mission this year is to bridge this gap and equip believers to integrate their faith authentically in their professions. The President of GEMA highlighted key reasons why the workplace is essential, including its role in displaying spiritual significance, fostering personal growth, and ultimately advancing the kingdom of God. He noted that the wo rkplace could play a pivotal role in combating corruption by encouraging Christians, who represent 70 percent of the population, to reflect on their influence and ethical responsibilities. 'This presents an opportunity for them to lead by example, fostering integrity and accountability within their professional environments,' he added. Dr. Ahlijah pointed out that a neglect of the workplace as a mission field had allowed these issues to persist, hence the need for Christians to improve their engagement within workplaces. He recalled that when early missionaries arrived in Ghana, their focus extended beyond preaching in churches and actively sought to influence various sectors of socio-economic life. He said this approach set a lasting precedent for contemporary missionaries, encouraging their involvement in diverse fields of development and societal progress. The President of GEMA called for excellence, honesty, and integrity from Christians in their workplaces, urging that these qualities should not be hid den behind 'pompous spirituality.' He encouraged attendees to use the workplace to advance the mission and demonstrate Christ-like character. 'We must understand that God is a God of order, and as such, we must live the true excellence, honesty, and integrity of Christ in every aspect of their work lives,' he stressed. Dr. Yaw Perbi, Global Chief Executive Officer of HuD Group, urged Christians to see their daily work as integral to the Christian faith and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. He noted that mobilising professionals for global revitalisation involved calling and journeying alongside individuals engaged in various sectors outside the vocational ministry or mission, as a core part of the nation. Dr. Perbi emphasized that this involved always living as a representative of God, ensuring that every person on earth had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. He remarked that the workplace is not merely a setting for earning a livelihood but a vital avenue for reaching others with th e gospel. 'Our mission to revitalise the world is a mandate for every believer, not just those in ministry but especially those of you in the marketplace,' he said. Dr. Perbi noted that modern professional settings often provide unique access to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, creating a unique opportunity for ministry and discipleship. He encouraged believers to use their roles and interactions in the workplace as a platform to model and share their faith. 'The world needs a new way of seeing faith integrated into every aspect of life. This is our unfinished task, our collective responsibility,' he stressed.