Journalists Tour Africa West Area Office Complex

Twenty- seven journalists from 21 media houses in Accra, Ghana on Thursday September 20, 2018, visited the Africa West Area Office Complex of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to tour the facility and interact with the leadership of the Area.

The visit which was spearheaded by the Public Affairs Department, was part of efforts to open the doors of the Church to the public. The journalists who were divided into four groups, began their tour from the foyer of the Africa West Area Office Complex to the Ancillary building, Temple, Christiansborg Stake Center and finally ended at the Missionary Training Center where a question and answer session was held.  

Key among the issues that was discussed was the name of the Church as well as beliefs and practices of the Church.

Speaking to the media, Elder Marcus B. Nash, Area President for the Africa West Area, encouraged journalists to ensure accuracy when reporting on the name of the Church. “This is the Lord’s Church and the name is very important to us. The name of the church is ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’.  We encourage you to use the right name when reporting on issues relating to us” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the journalists for their time and interest in learning about the Church.

In response to a question on the Church’s role in education, Emelia Ahadjie, Africa West Area Public Affairs Director, explained that the Church has implemented several programs including Brigham Young University PathwayConnect (an online program which offers members the opportunity to receive education from some Church owned tertiary institutions in the United States of America) to help improve the educational status of its members.

She added that the Church has over the years played an integral role in the country’s educational system. “We do not own schools as a Church here in Ghana, but we provide support to existing schools who approach us for one amenity or the other”. “We believe that there are too many deprived schools in our communities therefore, instead of building new ones, we find it prudent to help refurbish and equip the already existing ones” she added.

Elder Edward Dube, 2^nd Counselor in the Area Presidency, at the sidelines of the event said “I am impressed with the feedback I am getting. This program has been well attended”.

Julius Satsi, a reporter from the Ghana News Agency said, “I am impressed about the information I have received today. The event has helped me clear some misconceptions”.

Umaru Sanda, a Broadcast Journalist from Citi FM said “I am happy that your Church is opening it doors to the public. I have learned a few things today and that is impressive”

The invited journalists were asked to submit their questions prior to the event. All questions raised before and during the event, were adequately addressed by spokespersons.