ACCRA, Ghana — Elder Russell M. Nelson paid a courtesy call on Ghana President John Ageykum Kufuor at Osu Castle Nov. 16, while in Accra for training of West Africa Area leaders and to preside over groundbreaking ceremonies for the Accra Ghana Temple. (See Church News, Nov. 24, for report on groundbreaking ceremony.)

Courtesy Accra Daily Graphic

In newspaper clip above Elder Russell M. Nelson presents figurine to Ghana President John Ageykum Kufuor, an event reported by Ghana media, including the Accra Daily Graphic.

"We are here to help build stronger families and help members become better citizens," Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve told President Kufuor, his top aides and numerous television and newspaper reporters. "The Church has sponsored 142 humanitarian projects over the past 15 years in the Africa West Area including the donation of over 360 tons of books to various institutions, free medical clinics for the treatment of ear, eye and skin disorders, many contributions of medical supplies and equipment, and restoration of over 90 boreholes (wells)."

Elder Nelson remarked how essential the blessing of freedom of religion is to the strength and vitality of a nation, and complimented the example set by Ghana. He personally invited President Kufuor to attend the open house of the temple after its completion.

In response President Kufuor called freedom of religion a constitutional provision, adding that he saw no viable reason why anyone should discriminate against another person because of religion.

"The Church has come to stay and is part of the nation now, so should any means be found that could benefit the country, feel free to counsel or advise," he said. "No single person should pretend to know everything. We welcome any and all constructive assistance."

Elder Nelson told the Church News that the most significant expression from President Kufuor came as he called the Church "a part of Ghana."

"He saw that we had Ghanaian presidents of the stake and Ghanaian bishops. The Church is a major factor now in the religious and social activities of their country."

While speaking of the importance of family, Elder Nelson gave President Kufuor a figurine of a family. "I indicated that this represented our great interest in the family and knew that he had an interest in the family just as we did. He confirmed that when he said, 'I am a family man.' "

The Minister for Presidential Affairs, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, who was also at the meeting, reported to President Kufuor what he had seen during a recent trip to Salt Lake City. He expressed praise for the community, the Church and, most especially, for the Church humanitarian and welfare programs.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey requested a prayer in behalf of the president. In the presidential chambers, Elder Nelson offered a prayer of blessing upon the nation, the president and his family.

Accompanying Elder Nelson at the presidential visit were Elder H. Bruce Stucki of the Seventy and president of the Africa West Area, and local leaders Elder Emmanuel O. Opare, an Area Authority Seventy; President Richard Ahadjie of the Christiansborg Ghana Stake; and President Charles Sono-Koree of the Lartebiokorshie Ghana Stake.