Missionary Training Center in Accra by Orthner Orthner & Associates in collaboration with ZGF Architects

Rodney Quarcoo

The Missionary Training Centre for the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Accra, Ghana, is a 12000 sqm teaching facility designed by Orthner Orthner & Associates (OOA) in collaboration with Portland-based ZGF Architects.

The facility, which was completed in June 2017, is located along the Independence Avenue, Greater Accra, and can accomodate over 800 missionaries. It features a facade of window shading elements inspired by sun paths. The facility also features residences, lecture halls, classrooms, laboratories as well as dining and recreational facilities.

Project Description

The original Missionary Training Centre (MTC) was built in 2002 in Tema, Ghana, and could fit only 90 missionaries. With the growing church in Africa, Church leaders decided to build a larger MTC next to the Accra Ghana Temple. The MTC buildings along with the enhanced outdoor space, were designed to meet or exceed government requirements. The buildings feature extensive glass exteriors to maximise use of natural light and create a sense of openness between the MTC and surrounding areas. Large meeting rooms, rooms for practice lessons, and indoor/outdoor study areas are all designed to enhance the missionary training experience.

The MTC is comprised of four structures: a training building, a multipurpose building, a residence building and a dining hall building. The five-story residence hall with 80 dormitory rooms, can house up to 320 young people at a time.

There are 28 classrooms, 18 practice teaching rooms and seven computer labs where missionaries receive training before they are sent to their assigned areas around the world. The facility also has areas to provide for the daily needs of the missionaries such as a cafeteria, laundry facility, athletic fields and large meeting rooms.

“As we walked through the halls and went into the classrooms, we sense already a real profound spirit that comes from those that have planned and built it…It will be a phenomenal place for missionaries to learn about the Savior and to learn how to share His gospel.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The architecture, the landscaping, the organisation – everything is done orderly. And once you walk in, you know that you walked into a very disciplined and spiritually filled place that will guide you throughout your tour,”

Adjei Sowah, Mayor of Accra.

Project Credits

  • LEAD ARCHITECT:
    •  ZGF Architects 
      • Toby Hasselgren, Design Architect
      • Lee Kerns, Supervising Architect
      • Fran Orona, Interior Designer
  • PROJECT MANAGER:
    • Alan Rudolph, Project Manager
    • Ebenezer Coleman, Assistant Project Manager
  • MEP: PAE Consulting Engineers,
  • MAIN CONTRACTOR: CONSAR
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: KPFF Consulting Engineers
  • QUANTITY SURVEYOR: CSI Consult
  • LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Troposcapes Limited
  • PHOTOGRAPHER: Rodney Quarcoo


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