“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a key stakeholder when it comes to the religious community,” said former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. He made those comments during his first tour of the Ghana temple grounds on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

President Mahama was hosted by Elder Marcus B. Nash, president of the Africa West Area of the Church. Also, in attendance were Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, former trade minister and former Ghana ambassador to the United States; Madam Sherry Ayittey, National Democratic Congress national vice chairperson; and other government officials.

While on the temple grounds, Elder Nash explained the sacred ordinances performed there and the blessings temples bring to the lives of the Latter-day Saints. “God must certainly live here,” said former President Mahama.

The visit also included a tour of the Ghana Missionary Training Center, where the purpose of the Latter-day Saints’ missionary program was explained.

During the meeting, President Mahama and Elder Nash discussed the needs of the people of Ghana. President Mahama raised concerns about the country and asked the Church to help increase the skill sets of Ghanaian youth and impress upon them the importance of education.

Elder Nash assured Ghanaian officials that the Church desires to be a good citizen of Ghana and wants to help the people economically and spiritually. “The Lord knows about Ghana,” said Elder Nash.

There are nearly 84,000 Latter-day Saints in Ghana.