Family History
FamilySearch RootsTech Tapping Event
Accra, Ghana was chosen to promote and prepare for the upcoming global RootsTech Connect 2022 event. RootsTech provides inspiration and learning necessary for people across the world to connect with their family members past and present. The annual event, sponsored by FamilySearch, will be held online in March. Steve Rockwood, CEO of Family Search, attended the colorful and vibrant prerecording event. “We realize that it is time to reconnect,” he said, “so we decided to go to the heart of connection. It’s here in West Africa.”
The prerecorded event included stories and presentations from a host of guests from more than 10 West African nations. The audience included a host of government leaders from the various countries as well as kings, queens and tribal chiefs from Ghana and Nigeria. The chairman of the gathering, Nii Dr Tetteh Kwei II, the principal kingmaker of the Ga State, surprised the audience by closing the event singing the Latter-day Saint hymn, “Love at Home,” and additional surprise then occurred as several members of the well-known Bonner Family joined him on stage singing the hymn in a beautiful African harmony.
The keynote speaker was Ghanaian Hall of Fame boxer Azumah Nelson. He presented his rise to fame, humble beginnings, and his own family roots. “You must be interested in your family history and live the values it represents,” he said. “It is important to connect with your family members both past and present. You can visit FamilySearch for assistance.” He added, “Regardless of race, gender, or your faith, you will discover that we are one big family of God.”
The 2022 event will have a mix of on-demand, livestream and interactive sessions that will allow attendees to learn, grow and connect to people all over the globe. Participants will also be able to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, experts, and enthusiasts.
For more information visit rootstech.org. The March conference will be free and open to everyone. For updates, follow RootsTech on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.