Reverend David Agbloe, the Executive Secretary of the Boys Brigade Ghana has shed light on the organization’s mission, values, and impact on the youth of Ghana.
According to him, the Boy’s Brigade is a uniform organization and it’s youth focus and youth oriented which incorporate Christianity and societal values in the youth. He emphasized the essence of character development within the Boys Brigade, stating, “When these things are incorporated into them, it becomes character being exhibited.”
He said in an interview with Johnnie Hughes and Helen Ampofo on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on March 22.
Agbloe elaborated on the transformation process, likening it to the progression from acts to habits, and ultimately to character. He emphasized that the organization’s focus on character building enables its members to positively influence their peers, families, and society at large. “We build in them this character and this character to a large extent affects their way of doing things. And that is how come they are able to positively affect their peers, family and then the country at a large”, he said.
Highlighting the organization’s foundational principles, Agbloe explained the significance of the four-sided figure concept drawn from Luke 2:52, which encompasses cognitive development, physical fitness, social skills, and spiritual growth.
“The Boys Brigade also believes in the four-sided figure where we pick it from Luke 2:52. With the wisdom as a cognitive development and then stature we have the physical and we have other physical things we do that help build this physique. And then we also strengthen them to have network, socialize, have relationship with beings because we are social beings”, he asserted.
The Boys Brigade, being a church-based organization with an ecumenical nature, welcomes members from various Christian denominations. Agbloe noted that currently, the organization is affiliated with several churches including the Methodist Church Ghana, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, EP Church Ghana, Anglican Church, A.M.E Zion, Perez Chapel International, and Jesus Generation. He stressed that the organization is inclusive and open to all who wish to join.
Addressing the training and qualification of officers within the organization, Agbloe highlighted the rigorous command courses required for individuals aspiring to become officers. He noted that officers undergo comprehensive training to effectively mentor and lead the youth.
“If anybody wants to become an officer, then you must run through command courses. And that qualifies you to become an officer. You may have gone through as a boy and might have checked through senior session but if you are not trained, you can’t become an officer”, he added.
Agbloe also discussed the significance of the Boys Brigade band and drill in fostering discipline and character development among its members. He emphasized that these activities serve as a means to draw individuals closer to Christ while instilling essential values such as discipline and teamwork. “It is a means to an end, what we do is to use it to draw people to Christ. The band and the drill are part of the discipline we inculcate into them. So even with the beats of the band speaks to them, send signals to them and then they understand the communication of the band, the trumpet and all that”.
Furthermore, Agbloe highlighted the Brigade Awareness Month held annually in March, along with the preceding Junior Section Awareness Month in February. These months are dedicated to organizing various programs and activities aimed at promoting the values and objectives of the Boys Brigade among the youth.
Reverend David Agbloe reiterated the organization’s commitment to nurturing upright, disciplined, and morally grounded individuals who positively contribute to their communities. He expressed pride in the organization’s impact, noting that many individuals who excel in various fields trace their success back to their experiences within the Boys Brigade.
The Boys Brigade Ghana continues to stand as a beacon of character development and leadership training, shaping the future leaders of Ghana with its dedication to its motto: “Sure and steadfast.”
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi