Ghana Territory, one country; thousands changed
The Salvation Army commenced operations in the Ghana Territory in 1922 after a disastrous storm hit northern Ghana leaving farms destroyed and families devastated. Families witnessed as their livelihoods vanished in one foul swoop.
Following the storm, volunteers were dispatched to assess the situation, and International Headquarters funded efforts which included the distribution of food, tents, blankets, cooking utensils, fresh water and other forms of equipment to aid more than 1,000 struggling people. These efforts were accompanied by the message of the gospel. In Ghana, The Salvation Army shares the gospel in 11 languages.
Currently under the new leadership of Centralites, Colonels Dennis and Sharon Strissel, territorial commander and territorial president of women's ministries, the Ghana Territory has undergone some essential transformations. Education always has been a primary focus in The Salvation Army's international ministry efforts, and the Ghana Territory proves no exception as the territory was able to build three Salvation Army schools recently. In total, there are 66 sub-primary schools, 79 primary schools, 40 junior secondary schools and two senior secondary schools run in the territory.
Colonel Dennis Strissel recently attended the dedication of new extension spaces at The Salvation Army's Primary School in the Volta Division. Grateful tribal chiefs thanked Dennis by personally presenting him with a sheep and tribal stool, both treasured items in their homeland.
In addition to building schools, the territory has a thriving Boy Scout program and territorial camp which recently brought 200 young scouts together, as well as nine medical clinics, five of which were recognized for excellent contributions to the local health care system.
In a culmination of strategic planning for the territory, the executive council brought together staff from territorial headquarters, divisional and district officers and school's general managers. Together they set goals of improved operations intended for implementation over the next five years.