News Release

Ghana Missionary Training Center Opens in Accra

Hundreds tour new facility on first day

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting a public open house for the newly expanded Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Accra, Ghana. Tours are available August 8-12, 2017.

Senior Leader of the Church, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,visited the MTC on Monday. “As we walked through the halls and went into the classrooms, we sense already a real profound spirit that comes from those that have planned and built it,” he said. “It will be a phenomenal place for missionaries to learn about the Savior and to learn how to share His gospel.” 

 

“The new MTC will create a learning environment that allows the missionaries to fully understand their missionary purpose,” said Elder Terence M. Vinson, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“The existing facility in Tema was planned for up to 100 missionaries and we have outgrown it. This beautiful building can house 320 and is designed to grow and expand,” said Elder Vinson. “It will enable us to prepare for the future. Thousands of young people from around the world will come to Ghana and prepare to go forward in serving their God and the peoples of Africa.”

Construction of the Ghana MTC began in 2014. The facility includes a five-story residence hall with 80 dormitory rooms. There are 28 classrooms, 18 practice teaching rooms and 7 computer labs where missionaries receive training before they are sent to their assigned areas around the world.

The facility also houses areas to provide for the daily needs of missionaries such as a cafeteria, laundry facility, athletic fields and large meeting rooms.

“The personal study areas have a warm, comfortable feeling about them,” said Elder Sherwood Dabata from South Africa. “When I do my study here the Spirit brings understanding to my mind. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow closer to the Savior and learn how I should teach others.”

Ebenezer Coleman, Site Project Manager for the Ghana MTC, said the project has been a highlight of his construction career. “One of the workers told me he felt something different about this building than other sites where he had worked. He felt peace while working here. I explained this building was being constructed so young people could prepare to teach the word of God to people across Africa.”

Coleman continued, “Over a period of a few months the worker met with missionaries and has since joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is now an active member in his congregation. Many people have been and will be blessed because of what is done in this building.”

There are 15 missionary training centers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where missionaries serving in the Church’s 421 missions receive training in 55 languages.

“The missionaries who come here have devoted eighteen months to two years to serving the Lord and serving others,” explained Scott Brubaker, President of the Ghana MTC.

“The principles and the doctrines they will learn here will not only develop a foundation for them to go out and be good missionaries, but will provide life skills which will help them the rest of their lives.”

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.