More
than 2,500 residents across Accra and Kumasi have benefited 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’.
Accra:
Ga Mantse Palace hosts colourful food-drive
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.
A
global effort to bring the Light of Christ — Accra Ghana MTC President Benoit Duquette
In
his remarks, President Benoit Duquette, President of the Accra Ghana MTC, 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. “Every year at Christmas, we look for
ways to bring the light of Jesus Christ into the lives of those around us,
especially those who may be facing difficulties,” President Duquette said.
“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.
President
Duquette also highlighted the global reach of the programme, noting that
throughout the world, the Church has installed ‘Light the World’ giving
machines that allow individuals to purchase food, clothing, medical supplies,
and other necessities for vulnerable communities. “Light the World is a
worldwide effort. The Church partners with organisations worldwide to support
those in need. We hope that the spirit of giving does not end at Christmas; it
is something we desire to carry throughout the entire year,” he said.
Ga
Mantse – ‘A picture of unity, cohesion, and shared humanity’
His
Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, praised the Church for
choosing the Ga Mantse Palace as the venue for such a meaningful and impactful
community service event.
“Today, what
we have witnessed here is a picture of unity, cohesion, and shared humanity. I
thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for bringing this
initiative to the heart of the Ga State.
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.
Hon.
Ernest Adomako, Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South,
also delivered remarks, applauding 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.
“The
partnership between the Latter-day Saints and the Ga Mantse Foundation is a
model for how institutions can come together to address real needs in our
communities. I commend the Church for its continued commitment to humanitarian
service,” he added, urging beneficiaries to see the gesture not only as
material support but also as a reminder that the broader community stands with
them.
A
season of giving and a call for year-round compassion
As
Christmas approaches, President Duquette noted that missionaries and church
members across Ghana and West Africa will continue engaging in acts of service
in their communities.
“We are
encouraging our members to ‘light the world’ in their own homes, their
neighbourhoods, and in every small and personal way they can,” he said. “The
light of Christ should not dim after December. It is something we carry with us
throughout the year.”
The
colourful event featured a vibrant cultural performance by a Ga troupe,
interfaith goodwill messages from Muslim, Christian, and Traditional leaders, a
musical performance by renowned gospel artist Joe Mettle, and spoken-word
artistry celebrating unity and service. These elements brought energy, cultural
pride, and emotional resonance to the programme, reinforcing both the communal
spirit of the season and the purpose of the initiative.
Kumasi
– Local communities embrace the spirit of giving
In
Kumasi, more than 1,300 residents benefited from the initiative, receiving
similar food packages containing rice, spaghetti, chicken, oil, and other
Christmas staples. 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.
According
to him, Christmas is about Jesus Christ, whose birth brought hope to a
turbulent world. When celebrations are focused on Him, then individuals can
truly experience His light that heals, uplifts, and unites. As part of the
initiative, Elder Sosu encouraged the public to participate in the ‘25 Ways in
25 Days’ service calendar, included in each food package. “Each day in December
offers a simple act of kindness. We invite everyone to experience His light
daily through service,” he added.
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.
He
also expressed gratitude to interfaith leaders, traditional authorities, and
community leaders who collaborated with the Church to identify beneficiaries.
“This gathering is a testimony that light transcends boundaries. Whether
Christian, Muslim or of another faith tradition, we are united in the belief
that service to humanity is service to God,” he said.
Kumasi
Mayor applauds the Church’s commitment
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. “As a City
Manager, I admire how well they maintain their environment. If every church
behaved like them, our communities would be cleaner, and we would reduce the
cost of waste management,” he said.
Mr.
Agyeman-Boadi further encouraged the Church to consider supporting the
education sector. “Many churches have contributed to education in Ghana. I am
hopeful the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will one day build a
school here in Kumasi. On behalf of the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank
Amoakohene, I extend our sincere gratitude,” he said.
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.
About
Light the World
Light
the World is a global Christmas-focused humanitarian initiative of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraging individuals to emulate the
teachings and love of Jesus Christ through acts of charity, kindness, and
service. The initiative operates across continents, mobilizing resources and
volunteers to uplift individuals, families, and communities.
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