Alfred Street Baptist Church Donates $1 Million to Counter the Trokosi System in Ghana
The historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, led by pastor Howard John Wesley, has announced a donation of $1 million to Lott Carey, a Ghana Baptist Freedom Initiative “dedicated to broadening the reach of the Christian faith across the globe.”
The fund seeks to support Lott Carey’s project of countering the trokosi system, a traditional practice in Ghana where young girls are enslaved in exchange for family debts.
The $1 million donation was presented by pastor Wesley and Rev. Marcia M. Norfleet, Assistant to the Pastor for Missions, to Lott Carey President Dr. Gina M. Stewart during the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, held from August 12 to15 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Announced on social media by pastor Wesley, the church’s decision to support Lott Carey was inspired by a visit to Ghana two years ago, where a group of 100 church members witnessed the plight of young women “sold into slavery to pay their family’s debts.”
Moved by the experience, the congregation embarked on a year-long initiative called “SEEK,” which involved “praying, fasting, and cutting back on spending.” Through the collective efforts of the “Seek” members, Alfred Street Church raised a substantial $1 million.
“In 2023, 14,000 people joined our SEEK journey, praying, fasting, and cutting back on spending, “the post reads. “Their collective sacrifice allowed us to donate $1,000,000 to @lottcarey . This contribution will help free enslaved women in Ghana and provide them with the tools for a better future.”
Pastor Wesley expressed his sincere gratitude for the generous donation, stating, “I’m deeply grateful for what we accomplished together.”
In a statement shared on their website, Lott Carey acknowledged the donation. The organization noted that the fund will be “managed by Lott Carey’s special project account.”
The project is expected to commence in late 2024 and conclude in December 2028. The project will support schools, provide vocational training, offer microfinancing, and fund the rescue of enslaved girls.
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