Youth of Winneba Ghana Stake Gather for Conference

The Buduburam Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was filled with the voices and testimonies of youth on Saturday, August 30, 2025, as nearly 200 young women and young men of the Winneba Ghana Stake gathered for a conference centered on the scripture, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).

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The purpose of the conference was to inspire and encourage the youth to build faith in Jesus Christ through gospel learning and peer teaching, while also providing opportunities for friendship, talent development, and spiritual growth. The meeting was presided over by President Clarence Nelson, first counselor in the stake presidency, and conducted by Sister Mary Ghartey, secretary in the stake Young Women presidency.

The conference opened with a hymn and prayer, following which the youth recited the conference theme in unison. Sister Linda Cobbah, stake Young Women president, then welcomed the youth and outlined the vision of the conference. She explained that the gathering was designed not only for learning but also for building testimonies, strengthening friendships, and helping youth recognize their potential as disciples of Jesus Christ.

To help participants connect with each other, President Nelson led a social activity that mixed youth from different wards and branches so that they weren’t necessarily sitting by people they already knew.  They were then asked to find out a little bit about the people they were sitting next to, asking their names, wards or branches, school and other things. The activity was designed to emphasized that forming new friendships in the gospel strengthens belonging in the Church and provides spiritual support during challenging times.

Once the ice was broken, youth who had been assigned a part in the program took turns presenting their talks. These youth speakers addressed topics such as setting goals with support from trusted mentors, using social media positively to share testimonies and talents, bearing testimony to uplift oneself and others through sharing faith, inviting the Spirit and building self-respect by dressing and acting modestly, and choosing uplifting music and dance that encourages moral living.

After a musical interlude performing the theme song, talks by the youth continued and addressed issues relevant to young adults, including choosing to date companions who strengthen faith, maintaining physical and spiritual health through the Word of Wisdom, using personal prayer to build testimony and stay close to the Holy Ghost, and strengthening faith in Jesus Christ through regular scripture study.

After the formal talks concluded, and after another musical performance, attendees participated in a candid Q&A session asking questions about baptism, the sacrament, the Word of Wisdom, and temple ordinances. Leaders responded with scriptural explanations and testimonies, encouraging the youth to continue seeking truth through gospel study and prayer.

As the meeting drew to a close, Brother Jerry GboveahZee Korboi, stake Young Men president, recapped key points from the messages delivered by the youth and affirmed the importance of the principles they had taught. He expressed confidence that as youth live these truths, they will be blessed. And in his closing remarks, President Nelson encouraged the youth to build confidence in speaking and leading, noting that their willingness to share testimonies would strengthen both their faith and their ability to influence others.

Following the closing prayer, Seminary and Institute leaders provided lunch for the youth, reminding them of the blessings of gospel study and education.

The event was attended by 197 youth, including 27 friends of the Church who were referred to full-time missionaries. Sister Cobbah expressed gratitude for the faith and testimonies of those who attended, observing that the conference demonstrated their desire to indeed look to Christ in all things.