Groundbreaking Ceremony at Accra Ghana School Celebrates Church Funded Renovation and Construction Project

On May 10, 2023, leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Africa joined community and tribal leaders in Accra, Ghana, for an Opening Day ceremony to kick off a renovation project at the Mantse Tackie School in Adabraka, Ghana. The Church, in collaboration with the Ga Mantse Education Committee, will fund the renovation of the primary classroom building and the construction of a new library-information and communication technology (ICT) block and bathroom facilities.

Dignitaries from the Accra area joined over 1,000 students from the school in the kick-off celebration. They enjoyed dancing, cultural displays, and sketches from the students. There were also both traditional and Christian prayers offered. Speakers from the Church as well as government and educational leaders provided details of the project and outlined the shared goals for this ambitious project.

Representing the Church were Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, General Authority Seventy and President of the Africa West Area, and his wife Sister Wendy Nielsen; Elder Jörg Klebingat, General Authority Seventy and First Counselor; and Elder Alfred Kyungu, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Presidency. Elder Nielsen provided one of the keynote addresses.

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Also attending and speaking at the celebration was the Ga King, HRM Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. Called the Ga Mantse by his people, he is highly revered in the Ga lands, the greater Accra region, and other parts of Ghana, and is one of the prominent rulers in the country. The Ga Mantse recently returned from a visit to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he attended general conference and met Church President Russell M. Nelson. The school bears his grandfather’s name.

Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Chairman of the Ga Mantse Education Committee, opened the celebration by noting that he had attended the school over 60 years ago and noted that he “was an example of how students at the school could rise up to any achievement.” He thanked the members of the Church for also rising to support the initiatives of the King.

Representing the Government of Ghana was Hon. Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra regional minister. He said, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided us with a solid foundation, and our responsibility is to finish the job.” He encouraged all government leaders to “do what you have to do to get this done.” He also asked everyone involved with the school to “appeal to your ministers; they will listen to you because they know this is important.”

Also speaking during the ceremony were Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey area (where the school resides), and a representative from the Ministry of Education who noted, “We are so grateful to the Church. Their laudable contribution not only benefits these schools but benefits our country as a whole … as well as our entire nation.” She added, “Other stakeholders should use the example of the Church, using their dollars effectively and holding beneficiaries accountable.”

Elder Nielsen, in describing his friendship with the King, said, “Our collaboration with the Ga Mantse is one of giving and of blessing the lives of all Ghanaians. We, as a Church, are so grateful to be part of the Accra community and to be able to invest in its people.” He also noted that they were of one heart when it came to important issues.

He explained why supporting education is so important to the Church of Jesus Christ. “When we get an education, we allow God to work through us, through our developed skills and knowledge, to bless the lives of His children. Education makes us better spouses, mothers and fathers, employees, friends, and most of all, better servants.”

After noting some of the educational challenges that face Ghanaians, Elder Nielsen stated, “We at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are anxious and excited to work with the Ga Mantse Foundation and the Mantse Tackie Tawiah I School, to help the rising generation realize their dreams.”

Elder Nielsen then shared his focus on accountability. “We look forward to working with you as you work to maintain the buildings and equipment you are receiving. The supervision, security and sustainability of the equipment and facilities are of great importance to us.”

The Ga Mantse spoke of his desire to fulfill his father's mandate and get this school renovated. He noted the effective collaboration between the Ga Mantse Education Committee and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He added, “Under my reign, I want opportunities for all Ga children. I want no child left behind.”

The celebration culminated with a sod-cutting/groundbreaking ceremony, which included the unveiling of the renderings for the planned renovation and new building construction.

The Mantse Tackie Tawiah I Primary School is located in Korle Klottey Municipality, Accra, Ghana. It was built in 1947 and was named after the then-Ga Mantse. It provides educational services for over 1,000 students.