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On October 18, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Kumasi Ghana Temple, marking the start of construction on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ second temple in Ghana. Isaac K. Morrison, Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, led the event and offered a dedicatory prayer.
“May this day be a spiritual groundbreaking for each of us gathered, marking a renewed dedication to Thy gospel,” Morrison said. “Help us draw nearer to Thee and prepare ourselves to enter Thy Holy house worthily.”
The Kumasi Ghana Temple was first announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the April 2021 general conference. The location was revealed on May 1, 2023, as a 2.08-acre site next to the Bantama meetinghouse at Y11 Suntreso Road. Plans include a two-story building of about 22,750 square feet and a new arrival center.
During the ceremony, Gloria Akosua Ofori from the Kumasi Ghana Bantama Stake shared her testimony about temple worship. She said it strengthens her faith and understanding of Jesus Christ and brings spiritual protection through keeping covenants. Ofori described how regular temple attendance provides hope and blessings.
Harry Kyereh Sarpong spoke about the church’s growth in Kumasi since he served in its first branch presidency. He emphasized that making covenants in the temple helps members “think celestial,” referring to President Nelson’s teachings.
Elder Morrison explained that groundbreaking is symbolic of creating a solid foundation for the house of the Lord. “We must prepare ourselves with a broken heart and contrite spirit turning the soil of our lives and putting God first, in fact letting Him prevail in our lives,” he said.
The Church has been present in Ghana since the 1960s, with missionaries arriving in 1978. Today, there are over 113,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 390 congregations across Ghana. Until now, members have traveled to Accra for temple services; the new Kumasi Ghana Temple will provide closer access for those in northern Ghana and neighboring countries. Another temple, announced for Cape Coast in October 2023, will serve members in southern Ghana and throughout the Africa West Area.
Latter-day Saints regard temples as sacred places distinct from meetinghouses where weekly worship occurs. Temples are reserved for faithful members to participate in ceremonies such as marriages that unite families eternally and proxy baptisms for deceased ancestors.
