The Very Rev Prof Joshua Narteh Kudadjie was born on 30th May, 1938 at Ada Foah. His parents were Christian Gbile Kudadjie and Comfort Djananger Ayiku, both of blessed memory. He began his schooling at the Ada Foah Methodist Infant/Junior Schools and continued at the Presbyterian Middle School, after which he attended the Accra Technical Institute. During his working years, he had opportunity to attend the Government Secretarial School and the Pitman’s College, London. Between 1963 and 1969 he studied at the University of Ghana, and between 1970 and 1972, he attended the Selwyn College, Cambridge University, England. Among others, he holds a BA from the University of Ghana, a BA from Cambridge University and an MA also from Cambridge University.

He was appointed a Lecturer at the University of Ghana in 1972, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1979. He served as acting Head and, twice, as substantive Head of Department for the Study of Religions. He was adjunct Lecturer at the Good News Training Institute, Maranatha Bible College and the Trinity College. He was visiting Assistant Professor of Puget Sound, Tacoma, USA and served as External Examiner for Trinity College, St. Victor’s Major Seminary, Tamale, Christian Service College, Kumasi, St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Cape Coast and Baptist Seminary, Kumasi. In the mid-1970s, he served as external examiner for the West Africa Examinations Council. Between 1973 and 1983, he served as the editor of the Ghana Bulletin of Theology. He also served as Secretary General of the West Africa Association of Theological Institutions, (WAATI) and an executive member of the Conference of African Theological Institutions (CATI). He served on numerous boards and committees of the University of Ghana. He published very extensively.

In the church, Joshua Narteh Kudadjie served as a youth worker and Lay preacher in the Methodist Church and as member and/Chairman of Executive Committee or Governing Council of a number of organizations, including Accra Committee of the Scripture Union, African Christian Press, Christian Council of Ghana Literature Committee, Asempa Publishers, Commission on Inter-Church Aid of the WCC, Maranatha Bible College, Trinity College, National Council of the Bible Society of Ghana, and the National Association of Evangelicals of Ghana. He was also a founding father of the Legon Interdenominational Church (LIC).

Having already served as a theological educator, the church did not have to make him go through the normal training for ministers. In the words of the Candidates Secretary, Rev Dr. Emmanuel Lartey, “I suggest that he be considered for immediate commissioning to serve a two-year probationary period …” Prof Kudadjie was thus commissioned in 1989 and ordained in 1991. His ministerial itinerancy took him to the following stations:

DISTRICT         CIRCUIT                                 SOCIETY               YEAR
Accra               Adabraka                                Kwabenya ‘A’        1989-1999
Accra               Adabraka                                Kwabenya ‘B’        1989-1999
Accra               Adabraka/Ga Mission           Kwashikumaman   1995-2000

DIOCESE          CIRCUIT                                SOCIETY               YEAR
Accra               Adabraka/Ga Mission           Amasaman            1999-2011
Accra               Ga Mission                             Kojo Ashong          2001-2003
Accra               Ga Mission                             Ayikai Doblo          2002-2003
Accra               Ga Mission                             Okushibeade         2002-2003
Accra               Ga Mission                             Korleman              2002-2006
Accra               Ga Mission                            Amamoley             2004-2006
Accra               Ga Mission                            Onyasana              2005-2006
Accra               Ga Mission                            Mayera                  2005-2008
Accra               Ga Mission                            Kpobiman              2009-2015

Upon retirement from the University of Ghana in 1998, he worked with Most Rev Dr. Samuel Asante Antwi (then Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church Ghana) and Very Rev Dr. E.K Marfo to establish and obtain accreditation for the Methodist University College. He was appointed Associate Professor in 2000 at the newly established Methodist University College, serving concurrently as the Dean of General Studies, Dean of Students and Chaplain until 2003, when he became the Vice Principal of the College. He retired from the Methodist University in 2014, but continued to serve in various capacities at the University and in the Church.

He was appointed Director of the Ordained Ministry Division (1998-2000) and General Director of the Board of Ministries (2000-2003). He served on sev­eral Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and Boards of the Church, such as:
Committee on Prayer Fellowships (Convener, 1992)
Committee on “New Trends in Worship” (Convener, 2002)
Committee on Methodist Liturgy and Book of Worship.
Committee on Bishop’s Address and Issues for Conversation to Synod of 2016 and 2017
Committee of 57th Synod of Accra Diocese on Matters Concerning the Emerging Discussions on LGBT+, based on the paper, “Combating the Threat of Emerging Alternative Sexual Orientations in Ghana.” he had presented to the Synod.
 
Some of these deliberations led to the institution of the Methodist Prayer and Renewal Programme (MPRP), publication of critical guiding principles adopted by the Circuits for Strategic Planning that ensures the Church is purpose-driven instead of activity-driven, and publication of “The Homosexuality Debate: A Response from the Methodist Church Ghana- Accra Diocese” (June 2019) and later adopted by the Conference Methodist Church Ghana for use by all members.

Rev Prof Kudadjie was a real gentleman, who had a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was so deep in his understanding of scripture and was a real teacher, who would help even the child to appreciate the deep things he might be teaching. Prof Kudadjie had a good sense of duty, and was an eloquent preacher. He believed that every­one deserved the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ and be transformed through a positive response, thus he shared his faith in season and out of season. He will be remembered for his com­mitment and selfless dedication, with which he served the Lord.

He was a hard working minister, humble and very simple. His love for God and the work of God were beyond doubt and he truly fulfilled his calling. He was a dedicated and devoted servant of God, who loyally served God through selfless service to humanity. He ministered with passion and under­standing; traits which endeared him to those he served in the course of his ministry. He was kind­hearted, compassionate, and graciously generous, always prepared and willing to help. He had time for all, regardless of social status, intellectual ability or disposition. Indeed, he was well-liked by all who came into contact with him.

After faithfully serving God in the ordained min­istry of Methodist Church Ghana from 1989, Very Rev Prof Kudadjie superannuated in 2008, having served for 19 years. Even though he was on super­annuation, he graciously accepted the responsibility of having the pastoral oversight of the Kpobiman Society, this duty he performed with distinction.

The Methodist Church Ghana is grateful to God for the life and ministry of this devoted servant of Christ; a servant who served dutifully and gave of his best so that others may come to the saving knowledge of Christ and grow in Him. The church prays that he rests in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.