The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Reverend Sarah Mullally, on Monday paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra during her maiden visit to Africa.
Most Reverend Mullally, the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, is in Ghana with her husband, Mr. Eamonn Mullally, at the invitation of the Primate of West Africa, Archbishop Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, as part of a 10-day tour of the Church of the Province of West Africa.
She was accompanied to the Presidency by a high-profile delegation of Anglican bishops in Ghana as well as the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg.
During the meeting, President Mahama congratulated Archbishop Mullally on her historic appointment, describing it as a significant milestone in the history of the Anglican Church.
“Your appointment is historic as you are the first woman to occupy the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury in its approximately 1,400 years,” President Mahama said.
“This important milestone is a powerful affirmation of the contribution women continue to make to spiritual, professional and public leadership.”
President Mahama also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the Anglican Church, highlighting the role of early Anglican missionaries in education and social development.
He referenced the story of Philip Quaque, who was sent to England in the mid-1700s to study and later helped establish schools in what is now Ghana.
“We deeply value the Church’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, justice, compassion and human dignity. We also recognize and commend the contributions of the Church in education, healthcare, social services and community development,” the President stated.
According to President Mahama, Ghana and the Anglican Church share common values, including service to humanity, protection of vulnerable people, peaceful coexistence, good governance, integrity and accountability.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians through investments in key sectors.
“Our government remains committed to restoring economic stability while ensuring that development and prosperity reach every single Ghanaian. We’re investing in healthcare, education, youth employment and social protection,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that Archbishop Mullally’s visit would deepen Ghana’s longstanding relationship with the United Kingdom.
“I had the honor only recently to be received by King Charles, and it was an honor to meet with him,” he added.
Speaking during the meeting, Archbishop Mullally said one of the major highlights of her visit to Ghana would be the groundbreaking ceremony for a new pilgrim hostel under the Church of Ghana’s Heritage Anglican Culture Village and Resorts initiative.
According to her, the project aims to preserve the history of the transatlantic slave trade while promoting spiritual healing and cultural rediscovery among members of the African diaspora.
“The project is intended to tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade while creating opportunities for spiritual healing and cultural reconnection for people of African descent across the world,” she noted.
Archbishop Mullally also disclosed that the Anglican Communion is one of the largest Christian communions globally, comprising 42 provinces spread across 164 countries.
Her visit marks her first trip to Africa since assuming office as Archbishop of Canterbury and is expected to strengthen ties between the Anglican Communion and the Church in West Africa.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
