Africa West Area Presidency Hosts Chief Director for Ghana's Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs  

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On 8 March 2023, the Africa West Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed Lily Fati Soale, the Chief Director of Ghana’s Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to the area offices in Accra, Ghana.  Soale was joined by other leaders from the ministry, Dr. Dorliwura Zakaria, Financial Controller, Tei Ogum, Deputy Director, and Christiana Oppong, Programme Officer.

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, General Authority Seventy and President of the Africa West Area greeted the Ministry contingent by pledging the Church’s support to help the ministry in creating an environment where we can “bless our Heavenly Father’s children in Ghana together”.  Elder Nielsen was joined by Elder Jorg Klebingat, General Authority Seventy and first counsellor and Alfred Kyungu, General Authority Seventy and second counsellor, as well as other Church leaders.

“We choose to live the two great commandments, love God, then love our neighbors,” Elder Nielsen said and added “we are here to help in any way that we can to make life better for everyone in Ghana.”

Elder Nielsen noted the Church’s efforts to lift the people of Ghana through collaboration with government entities, other faith-based organizations, and non-profit agencies.  Marian Esiape, Area Manager for Welfare and Self Reliance for the Church identified the Church’s humanitarian priorities. “Our humanitarian efforts focus on four areas, education, health care, water, and sanitation,”  she noted and added that “we work with like-minded people throughout Ghana to achieve these 4 goals.” She also said that “we are currently working with a number of Hospitals in the area to provide much needed equipment and supplies and with the Department of Health, focusing on infant care and immunizations.”

Chief Director Soale expressed her gratitude to the Church and noted, “it is amazing to hear all that you have done and continue to do for the people of Ghana.” 

“We are focusing on creating religious policy and are looking for collaboration with all of our stakeholders, encouraging bright ideas” she said and added that “we are happy with our relationship with your Church and look forward to further developing our shared purposes.”  Chief Director Soale also made it clear that her ministry is focused on fundamental human rights and that religious freedom is a high priority. 

The ministry contingent were able to visit the Accra Temple and tour the Missionary Training Center in Accra accompanied by the Area Presidency. They also met with Church representatives from Pathways Worldwide, Seminaries and Institutes, Self-Reliance, Young Single Adults, Family Search, Church History, and Humanitarian.