Mission guide

Ghana Kumasi Mission

The Ghana Kumasi Mission serves in the heart of Asante culture, where English and Twi are widely used.

  • English
  • Twi
Shop the shirts
Ghana Kumasi Mission Heart Map design

Ghana Kumasi Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

About the mission

The Ghana Kumasi Mission is based in Kumasi, Ghana, a major city in the Ashanti Region and the center of Asante culture. Kumasi is known for its history, markets, and connection to the Asantehene.

English and Twi are the main languages for missionaries and local members. Twi is widely spoken in everyday life throughout the area.

At a glance

Country
Ghana
Main city
Kumasi, 443,981 people (2021 census)
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0)
Climate
Tropical savanna climate, with major rains from March to July and minor rains from September to November
Church in Ghana
113,470 members, 31 stakes, 387 congregations
Missions in Ghana
6

A short history of the area

Kumasi was founded in the 1680s by Asantehene Osei Kofi Tutu I as the capital of the Ashanti Empire. Its name comes from the Twi word Kumase, meaning “under the kum tree.” Oral traditions also connect the city’s founding with Okomfo Anokye and other Asante leaders.

Kumasi became especially important in 1695 when it rose to prominence as the capital of the Ashanti Empire. Today, it remains the seat of the Asantehene and is home to Kejetia Market, one of West Africa’s largest markets.

The Church here

  1. 1960sGhanaians who had read the Book of Mormon and gained testimonies petitioned Church leaders to organize branches in Ghana.
  2. 1960sLocal believers, including R. A. F. Mensah, J. W. B. Johnson, and Rebecca Mould, established independent congregations while awaiting official Church branches.
  3. 1978President Spencer W. Kimball received a revelation extending priesthood ordination to all worthy men and directed that missionaries be sent to Ghana.
  4. 1978Hundreds of believers were baptized, branches were organized, and a mission was established in Ghana.
  5. 1989 to 1990The government banned the activities of several religious organizations, including the Church.
  6. 1998President Gordon B. Hinckley visited Ghana and announced that a temple would be built in Accra.
  7. 2004The Accra Ghana Temple was dedicated.
  8. 2012The Ghana Kumasi Mission was established.

Temples nearby

Kumasi Ghana Temple

Under construction · Near Kumasi

Cape Coast Ghana Temple

Announced · About 110 miles from Kumasi

Accra Ghana Temple

Dedicated January 11, 2004 · About 125 miles from Kumasi

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • AkwaabaWelcome
  • Ɛte sɛn?How are you?
  • MedaaseThank you
  • Mepa wo kyɛwPlease

Foods to try

  • Fufu (pounded cassava and plantain or yam served with soup)
  • Kelewele (spiced fried plantain)
  • Waakye (rice and beans served with assorted sides)
  • Ampesi (boiled plantain or yam served with stew)

Fun facts

  • Kumasi is known as the Garden City and is also called Osei-Krom or Oseikrom.
  • Kejetia Market has more than 10,000 stores and stalls.
  • Kumasi is home to Kumawood, a film industry that mainly tells local stories in Twi.

Just got the call?

Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.