Seven Stake/District Adventure Thru Western Region Ghana

Our goal was to meet the stake/district presidents in the Cape Coast Coordinating Council. This is an area that is sparsely populated but rich in natural resources. Before the church was established in Africa, before the 1978 revelation on the priesthood, there were a few people who had heard the doctrines and written to Salt Lake for information. The church responded by sending pamphlets and scriptures but informed them that there were no units at that time. The faith of these people was strong, so they began their own congregations. When the church came, there were two operating congregations in Ghana and one in Nigeria. The area covered by the Cape Coast Coordinating Council encompasses one of those first groups. We have met many people with the last names of those who founded the original groups. They are now second and third generation families. 

We had previously met the three Cape Coast presidents, so on Sunday, November 7, we started with Mpintsin. On our way there we were stopped at a Police Check Point, along the 132-mile, four-hour drive. The policeman asked us an interesting question, “You are missionaries. Why do Christians lie? I’m a Christian. Christians always lie.”  As we drove away, we promised him we wouldn’t lie. By the distance and time, you can tell that the roads are pretty roughly maintained and carry a lot of traffic. 

When we drive up to a building, Dale first looks for a basketball hoop and second, a net. Here they had both! But, as the stake president pointed out, the surface under the hoop was rounded cobble stones, and there was only one basket. Even in a country where basketball isn’t a main attraction, they understand the importance of a flat surface and two hoops. The chapel was brand new, the dedication scheduled in the next few weeks.

After church and a YSA committee meeting we bumped eight miles down the road dodging potholes to coastal city of Takoradi for two nights. Takoradi is an established city with 1665 Dutch roots and WWII history. During the war it was an important staging point for British RAF aircraft destined for Egypt. The ocean view from our hotel was lovely. We took the occasion to walk on the rocky beach early in the morning where we met a National track team in training.