Representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were invited to attend the inauguration of President Adama Barrow of The Gambia on 20 January 2022. Elder Hugo Martinez, President of the Africa West Area, and Elder Larry Kacher, First Counselor of the Africa West Area Presidency, were in attendance. The event was considered historic as this was the first time The Church has been invited to any Presidential Inauguration in West Africa.
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Also in attendance at the inauguration were the Presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.
Elder Martinez and Elder Kacher were able to meet and visit with other government officials in attendance at the event. During the meeting with the Honorable Musa Drammeh, Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Elder Martinez said, “We appreciate the honor to visit. As we feel the presence of God in this country, we feel we would like to collaborate to serve the people in The Gambia.” Elder Kacher added, “There are good people here. We want to build a relationship which will be long term. We are here to seek your advice.”
In his response, Minister Drammeh said, “Religious freedom and tolerance is second to none. Our government is serious about religious freedom. We are aware of your tremendous contribution to humanity. You are welcome to establish a church here. We will facilitate that. Our doors are open.”