Prayer, Honesty and Faithfulness Key to Church’s Future – Otumfuo to Archbishop of Canterbury
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says prayer, honesty and faithfulness must guide leadership if the Anglican Communion is to navigate its current challenges and grow.
Speaking to the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, during a courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace on July 29, 2026, His Majesty acknowledged the difficulties confronting the global Church.
“The old world is in a confused state now. It is only prayer and also being honest and faithful to each other that can help. We pray that in your tenure, the Anglican Church will grow.”
“Your taking up this office gives us the assurance that you will steer the ship to make it more stable and calm the waters,” he said.
Otumfuo reaffirmed the Ghana Diocese’s support for Dame Mullally and expressed hope that her leadership would bring stability to the Communion amid differing views across regions.
He also recounted the historic relationship between the Asante Kingdom and the Anglican Church, tracing it to the conversion of Asante Royals during the exile of Prempeh I to the Seychelles Islands.
He noted that the Church remains dear to the Royal House, with a chapel established at the Palace for regular services.
For her part, Dame Mullally thanked the Asantehene for the warm reception and the enduring partnership between Manhyia and the Anglican Church.
She said the Church in Ghana is “wide in hospitality and deep in faith” and stressed the importance of working together in respect and love.
The Archbishop was accompanied by her spouse, Eamonn Mullally, and the Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa, Archbishop Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith.Dame Mullally is on a pastoral visit to Ghana and Cameroon from July 25 to August 4, 2026, at the invitation of the Primate of West Africa.
She is the third Archbishop of Canterbury to visit the Manhyia Palace.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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