Organization Advisors: Four Sisters Called to Serve in Africa West Area

The First Presidency has approved a new position: international area organization advisor to help provide training and mentorship for local leaders outside of the United States and Canada. In the areas where they are called, the volunteer advisors will also participate in councils within the area as they work together in unity with the men and women of the Church in their respective areas. The called women will serve for three to five years.

The Africa West Area Presidency has called four sisters to serve in six coordinating councils as area organization advisors beginning June 1, 2021.

The coordinating councils include Ghana Accra & Accra West, Ghana Kumasi, Nigeria Benin City, Côte d’Ivoire Abidjan East & West.

Representing the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary, the position of area organization advisor expands leadership roles for women in the area and builds upon the practice of women and men serving alongside each other in unity on councils and committees.

Their role is to mentor stake and ward women leaders and to participate in leadership councils and report to the Area Presidency.

Know more about the area organization advisors

Mavis Kazeh-Anfo (Ghana Accra and Accra West coordinating councils)

Sister Mavis Kazeh-Anfo has been a member of the church for 23 years.

She has served in numerous church callings including as ward Relief Society president, Young Women & Primary president, stake Primary president, stake Young Women president and now as area organization advisor.

Sister Mavis Kazeh-Anfo was born in Accra, Ghana and is married to Francis Kazeh-Anfo. They are the parents of three children.

Patricia Adopo (Côte d’Ivoire Abidjan East & West coordinating councils)

Sister Patricia Adopo has been a member of the church for 27 years.

She has served in numerous church callings including as a counselor in a Primary presidency, Primary president, Relief Society president and currently as area organization advisor.

Sister Patricia Adopo was born on August 12, 1968 in Bondoukou Côte d’Ivoire. She is married to Koki Antoine Adopo. They are parents of six children.

Emelia Affare Sampson (Ghana Kumasi Coordinating Council)

Sister Emelia Sampson has been a member of the church for 36 years.

She has served in numerous church callings such as a counselor in a Relief Society presidency, Relief Society president and now as area organization advisor.

Sister Emelia Affare Sampson was born in Cape Coast, Ghana. She is married to Emanuel Sampson. They are parents of five children.

Esohe Frances Ikponmwen (Nigeria Benin City Coordinating Council)

Sister Frances Ikponmwen has been a member of the church for 27 years.

She has served in numerous church callings such as ward Sunday School teacher, ward Relief Society president, stake Relief Society president and currently as an area organization advisor.

Sister Esohe Frances Ikponmwen was Born in Warri, Nigeria. She is married to Edward Ikponmwen they are blessed with five children and nine grandchildren presently.

Impressions by advisors on their callings

“I feel very humbled to be given this assignment, to have the opportunity to train stake organization leaders to help them understand some of the changes the Church is making in their areas of calling to help enhance the work of salvation and exaltation. I am really excited to be the Lord’s hand in this capacity and to help push His work forward”, said Sister Mavis Kazeh-Anfo.

“This calling is a blessing to me and my family, it gives me more joy to participate in the work of salvation for all of God’s children”, Sister Patricia Adopo said.

“When I was called to this calling, I knew that Heavenly Father loves me and He’s mindful of me because He’s not a respecter of persons and I know He will provide a way for me to accomplish this great work of salvation and exaltation of His beloved children”, said Sister Emelia Sampson.

“I consider my new calling as a confirmation that Heavenly Father hears our quiet prayers. I said in a speech that I was going to teach young women in my family and in the Church, so I feel humbled and grateful to be called as area organization advisor”, said Sister Frances Ikponmwen.

The area organization advisors will teach with a unified perspective as they instruct stake and district Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies.