President Hinckley Dedicates Ghana Temple

The Accra Ghana Temple, open to the public 3–20 December 2003, was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley in three sessions on Sunday, 11 January 2004. Sister Marjorie Hinckley, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Elders Sheldon F. Child, H. Ross Workman, and R. Conrad Schultz of the Africa West Area Presidency were also present at the dedication.

President Hinckley said the dedication of the temple marks “a new day in west Africa,” fulfilling the hopes and dreams of many, according to a Deseret Morning News interview. During his time in Africa, President Hinckley visited with Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor.

The temple, constructed solely of native materials, features a Namibian granite facade, African granite floors, and makore wood moldings. It is adorned with carved carpets, handcrafted furniture, original artwork, and unique art-glass windows. The largest room seats 80 people.

Missionaries first entered Ghana nearly 26 years ago in 1978. The Accra Ghana Temple is the 117th temple dedicated. Eleven more have been announced or are under construction. The next scheduled temple dedication is in Copenhagen, Denmark, in May.

President Gordon B. Hinckley presided at the temple dedication. (Photograph by Linda Leeper.)