The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Sarah Mullally, met President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra. This significant meeting occurred during her first official visit to Africa, marking a historic occasion for both the Anglican Church and Ghana.
Archbishop Mullally, accompanied by her husband, Mr. Eamonn Mullally, began a 10-day tour of the Church of the Province of West Africa. This visit follows an invitation from the Primate of West Africa, Archbishop Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith. A high-profile delegation of Anglican bishops in Ghana and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, also attended the meeting.
President Mahama congratulated Archbishop Mullally on her historic appointment as the first woman to lead the Church of England. Her leadership marks a significant milestone in the church's nearly 1,400-year history. The President described this achievement as a powerful affirmation of women's contributions to spiritual, professional, and public leadership.
President Mahama also acknowledged the Anglican Church's enduring impact on Ghana's national development. He recalled the early Anglican missionaries in Cape Coast and the role of Philip Quaque, who established schools in Ghana after studying in England in the mid-1700s. The Church continues to play a vital role in education, healthcare, social services, and community development across the nation.
The President emphasized shared values between the government and the Anglican Church, including service to humanity, protection of the vulnerable, peaceful coexistence, good governance, integrity, and accountability. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians. The government is investing in healthcare, education, youth employment, and social protection to restore economic stability and ensure prosperity for all citizens.
Archbishop Mullally highlighted a major aspect of her visit: the groundbreaking ceremony for the Church of Ghana’s Heritage Anglican Culture Village and Resorts initiative. This project includes a new pilgrim hostel. It aims to tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade and promote spiritual healing and cultural rediscovery for people of African descent in the diaspora. The Anglican Church is one of the world’s largest Christian communions, with 42 provinces across 164 countries.
The Archbishop's visit is expected to strengthen Ghana’s longstanding ties with the United Kingdom. President Mahama recently met King Charles, further underscoring the strong diplomatic relations between the two nations. This visit reinforces the cultural and historical bonds that connect Ghana and the UK through the Anglican Church.