Church of Jesus Christ Donates New Classroom Block and Sanitation Facility to High School in Accra, Ghana

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On 31 May 2024, a donation ceremony took place at the Odorgonna Senior High School in Accra, Ghana, to celebrate the donation of a new classroom block and sanitation facility by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The school, located in the Awoshie section of Accra, also received 300 school desks and other supplies.

Representing the Church at the ceremony was Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, a General Authority Seventy and President of the Africa West Area of the Church.  He was accompanied by President Francis Sosu Jr of the Accra Ghana Kaneshie Stake, Flint Mensah, Director of Temporal Affairs for the Africa West Area, and Marian Esiape, Welfare and Self-reliance Manager.

To open the ceremony, the headmaster of the school, Patrick Mensah, welcomed the dignitaries and other guests and then discussed the importance of the donation by the Church of Jesus Christ.  

“This building stands as a testament to the Church’s support of a growth mindset and that the needy child has a future and can contribute to the development of the nation. It will enrich the educational experience of the entire youth of the Municipality,” said Headmaster Mensah.

The history of the project was reviewed by the Honorable Dr Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom in Ghana.

 “Today is a memorable day for all of us. When Headmaster Patrick Mensah approached me on the three key needs of the school (science laboratory, boys’ dormitory and classroom block), I told him I would do what I could.  I wrote to three institutions including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which I am a member, and the Church did not turn them down” said Dr Kissi at the ceremony.

During his remarks, Elder Nielsen discussed the purpose of the Church’s humanitarian efforts and shared with the students and guests the source of the funds for these donations. “Members of our Church in Ghana and throughout the world donate these funds.  They do not seek recognition, they just want to know that good things are done with these sacred donations,” said Elder Nielsen.

Speaking to the students, Elder Nielsen emphasized the importance of education and remaining focused on their studies. “We believe that the glory of God is intelligence, and you honor God by focusing on your studies, learning, and becoming a productive member of your community.  As I talk to you today, I do not know what the final results of your efforts will be or what influence you will have in the world, but I can tell you this, it will be profound because of your dedication to your education.”

The Deputy Minister of Education, the Honorable Rev John Ntim-Fordjour, represented the Ghana Education Service and the Minister of Education, Dr Eric Nkansah. “We are grateful to the Church for their benevolence and kindness for donating this ultra-modern facility,” said Rev Ntim-Fordjour. “This is another example of the contributions of faith-based organizations to education.  The support of the Church of Jesus Christ is critical to augment our efforts to improve education.”

At the conclusion of the donation ceremony, Elder Nielsen, joined by Member of Parliament Dr Kissi, cut the ribbon on the new classroom block, to the delight of the school’s students who lined the railings of the new building.

The Odorgonna School was established as a boy’s day school in 1940 in the Adabraka area of the Greater Accra Region.  In 1990 the school was moved to its current location in Awoshie, and in 1993 it became co-educational.  Odorgonna SHS gained model status in 2008 and has many distinguished alumni.  The institution currently has 2671 students and 183 staff.   In July 2023, the school's academic prowess was showcased as it emerged victorious in the Ghana National Science and Math Quiz.