The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presenting a special gift to the Ga Mantse to strengthen community ties and shared values
More than 2,500 residents across Accra and Kumasi have benefitted from this year’s ‘Light the World’ initiative, a global Christmas humanitarian effort by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The initiative, which seeks to bring hope, compassion, and joy to individuals and families during the festive season, saw the distribution of essential food items, including rice, oil, spaghetti, chicken, tomatoes, and other household necessities, all of which are staples enjoyed during Christmas celebrations.
It was held under the theme: “Experience His Light – Jesus Christ is the Light of the World”.
In Accra, the initiative was hosted in partnership with the Ga Mantse Foundation at the Ga Mantse Palace in Kaneshie, where high-ranking religious leaders, traditional authorities, government officials, missionaries, artists, and community members came together in a vibrant display of unity and compassion that underscored the true spirit of Christmas.
More than 1,200 families received carefully prepared bags of essential food items. These packages were lovingly assembled by young missionaries from across Africa who are training at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Accra.
President of the Accra Ghana MTC, President Benoit Duquette, stated that the event was a true reflection of the Light the World initiative, a global humanitarian effort designed to bring hope, compassion, and joy to individuals and families during the festive season.
“Our young missionaries from all over Africa have prepared over 1,200 bags of food for families in need. This is our humble way of sharing the light of Christ so that everyone feels seen, valued, and remembered during this special season,” he added.
Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, praised the Church for choosing the Ga Mantse Palace as the venue for such a meaningful and impactful community service event.
“Your generosity and devotion to service reflect values that are central to our people. This collaboration demonstrates what is possible when we work together for the good of our communities,” the Ga Mantse said.
He encouraged other institutions to emulate the spirit of giving and togetherness demonstrated at the event.
Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South, Ernest Adomako, applauded the Church and the Ga Mantse Foundation for organising a timely intervention when many households are under economic pressure.
“At a time when many families are struggling with rising living costs, this initiative is a welcome source of relief,” he said.
Kumasi – Local communities embrace the spirit of giving
In Kumasi, more than 1,300 residents benefitted from the initiative, receiving similar food packages. At the launch in Kumasi, an Area Seventy of the Church, Elder Kofi G. Sosu, insisted that the season’s message goes beyond festive decorations and celebrations.
“These donations are not just food; they are symbols of love, compassion, and solidarity. They are meant to bring happiness to families, ease burdens, and remind each recipient that Christ loves them personally,” Elder Sosu said.
Elder Sosu further highlighted the Church’s longstanding humanitarian work in Ghana, including clean water projects, educational support, health initiatives, and disaster relief efforts made possible through voluntary member donations.
Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyeman-Boadi, praised faith-based organisations for their role in supporting the vulnerable.
“Faith-based organisations have a responsibility to impact humanity positively, and this is at the heart of Christianity. I am delighted that the Church has undertaken this programme and hope they will return next December to reach even more people,” he said.
The Mayor also commended the Church for its exemplary cleanliness.
Beneficiaries’ Gratitude
Recipients expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Church for its support.
“This food package means so much to my children and me. Things have been very difficult this year, and I was worried about how we would celebrate Christmas. Today, God has remembered us through this Church. I am truly grateful to everyone who made this possible,” one beneficiary said.
A Daily Guide Report