Accra Ghana Temple, Accra
The Accra Ghana Temple is the 117th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and a significant religious landmark in West Africa. Announced on February 16, 1998, the temple fulfilled a promise made by LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley to the Ghanaian members that they would one day have a temple nearby. Efforts to secure a location for the temple spanned five years before the site was finalized.
Located on 6 acres in central Accra, the temple stands out with its exterior made of Namibia Pearl Granite. It was the first LDS temple in West Africa and the second in Africa, following the Johannesburg South Africa Temple (1985). The building’s design incorporates local craftsmanship, including native makore wood moldings, handcrafted furniture, and art-glass windows that reflect Ghanaian culture.
The temple’s construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on November 16, 2001, led by Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ghana’s Vice President, Aliu Mahama, and other officials were present, underscoring the event’s national significance. The temple opened to the public for tours from December 3 to 20, 2003, allowing visitors to appreciate its intricate design and cultural elements before its dedication.
On January 11, 2004, the temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley. It features 17,500 square feet of space, with two ordinance rooms and two sealing rooms. The temple primarily serves members in Benin, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The grounds also include a stake center and a Missionary Training Center, enhancing its role as a hub for LDS Church activities in the region.
The temple’s dedication introduced the tradition of youth cultural celebrations before temple dedications, a practice that began in Accra and ended in 2017 with the Cedar City Utah Temple dedication. The Missionary Training Center in Tema, just east of Accra, opened in 2002, further emphasizing Ghana’s central role in the LDS Church’s growth in Africa.
Located on 6 acres in central Accra, the temple stands out with its exterior made of Namibia Pearl Granite. It was the first LDS temple in West Africa and the second in Africa, following the Johannesburg South Africa Temple (1985). The building’s design incorporates local craftsmanship, including native makore wood moldings, handcrafted furniture, and art-glass windows that reflect Ghanaian culture.
The temple’s construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on November 16, 2001, led by Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ghana’s Vice President, Aliu Mahama, and other officials were present, underscoring the event’s national significance. The temple opened to the public for tours from December 3 to 20, 2003, allowing visitors to appreciate its intricate design and cultural elements before its dedication.
On January 11, 2004, the temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley. It features 17,500 square feet of space, with two ordinance rooms and two sealing rooms. The temple primarily serves members in Benin, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The grounds also include a stake center and a Missionary Training Center, enhancing its role as a hub for LDS Church activities in the region.
The temple’s dedication introduced the tradition of youth cultural celebrations before temple dedications, a practice that began in Accra and ended in 2017 with the Cedar City Utah Temple dedication. The Missionary Training Center in Tema, just east of Accra, opened in 2002, further emphasizing Ghana’s central role in the LDS Church’s growth in Africa.
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Accra Ghana Temple on Map
Sight Name: Accra Ghana Temple
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Accra, Ghana
Create Your Own Walk in Accra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Accra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Accra Introduction Walking Tour
Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is a charming mix of history, culture, and modernity. The city's origins trace back to the Ga people, who settled along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa and were nicknamed Nkran, meaning "ants", for their industrious nature. The nickname also referred to the numerous anthills found in the area. During European colonization, the term... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles