🇬🇭

🇬🇭 AFTER THE CRUISE

Ghana MTC

Where Papa Jan & Mimi will serve as Missionary Training Center Presidents — preparing missionaries for Africa and beyond.

Why this matters to our family

This Disney cruise is our celebration and send-off for Jan (Papa Jan) and Lucia (Mimi) Newman as they begin service as MTC Presidents in Ghana for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We’ll laugh, splash, and make memories on the Treasure — then cheer them on as they step into holy work in West Africa.

Utah vs Ghana

Countdown to January 1, 2027
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Where they'll be

Ghana MTC / Accra Ghana Temple campus • 57 Independence Avenue, North Ridge, Accra

Open exact pin on OpenStreetMap

About the Ghana MTC

  • 📍
    LocationAccra, Ghana — on the grounds near the Accra Ghana Temple / Church administrative campus (North Ridge area).
  • 🏛️
    PurposeOne of the Church’s Missionary Training Centers worldwide. Missionaries train in doctrine, language, and teaching skills before field service.
  • 🏗️
    Modern campusThe current dedicated Accra facility opened in 2017 after earlier training began in Tema (2002). Built to support rapid Church growth in West Africa.
  • 🛏️
    CapacityDesigned for hundreds of missionaries at a time (roughly up to ~320, with expansion vision higher), plus classrooms, practice rooms, computer labs, cafeteria, and recreation space.
  • 🗣️
    Training lengthsOften 3, 6, or 9 weeks depending on language needs (English, French, Portuguese, Swahili, and more).
  • 🌍
    ImpactA key hub preparing missionaries who will serve across Africa and beyond.

Fun facts about Ghana

  • 👋
    Akwaaba!That means “welcome.” Ghanaians are famous for warm hospitality.
  • 🐜
    Accra’s nameOften linked to the Akan word for ants / anthills from early settlement stories.
  • 🎨
    Kente clothIconic handwoven colorful textile with deep cultural meaning — one of Ghana’s most recognized art forms.
  • 🤝
    Right hand firstUse the right hand for greetings, giving, and receiving — an important etiquette custom.
  • 🍲
    Food favoritesJollof rice, waakye, kelewele (spicy fried plantain), and fufu are beloved staples.
  • ⚰️
    Fantasy coffinsNear Accra, artisans craft brightly shaped coffins reflecting a person’s life, job, or passions — unforgettable local art.
  • 🗣️
    Many languagesEnglish is official, but Ghana is home to dozens of languages and rich ethnic diversity.
  • ⛪
    Faith & growthGhana has a vibrant Christian community and has been an important center for Church growth in West Africa.
Family prayer idea: While we’re on the ship, let’s pray for the missionaries Papa Jan & Mimi will soon love and train — and for Ghana to feel like a second home.

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