News Release

The King of Asante, His Majesty Otumfo Osei Tutu II, Meets with LDS Leaders 

An historical meeting between the Asentehene Osei Tutu II and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took place on September 11, 2015 at the palace in Kumasi.  During a formal welcome the King and Elder Terence M. Vinson, Elder Allan F. Packer and other Church leaders shared thoughts about areas of mutual interest and concern, including the preservation of historical documents, ancestral records and the importance of strong families.  

 
His Majesty, well known for his kindness, courtesy and tact, expressed his feelings regarding the people of the Ashanti Kingdom and Ghana. He would like to see more opportunity for females in education and encourages young people to seek productive skills that will benefit society. Elder Packer said the Church desires to help build strong families. He also said the Church wants to help people live lives based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.  His Majesty and the Church leaders expressed interest in record keeping and the preservation of history and ancestries.  They also expressed their desires to explore areas in which Ashanti authorities and the Church might be able to help each other.
At the end of the meeting, His Majesty authorized a tour of the Palace film library and Manhyia Archives for Church leaders.  The Archives contain records important to the Ashanti Kingdom dating back to 1926.  Following the tour, His Majesty and Church leaders participated in a luncheon.
The Ashanti Kingdom is the largest and most powerful tribe in Ghana with nearly 70 percent of the population.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide church with more than 15 million members, including more than 62,000 in Ghana.  An organization sponsored by the Church, Family Search, gathers ancestral records and histories from all around the world.  4,861 Family History Centers have been established in 134 countries worldwide. 

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