History, religion and tradition came together at the Manhyia Palace as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullaly, paid a historic visit to the traditional seat of the Asante Kingdom to strengthen the enduring relationship between the Anglican Church and Asanteman.

The visit underscored the long-standing connection between the Anglican Communion and the Asante Kingdom, with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II calling for prayers, sincerity and faithfulness as the world seeks solutions to growing challenges.

Dame Sarah Mullaly is currently undertaking a 10-day visit to the Church of the Province of West Africa, with Ghana serving as the first stop on her tour of the region.

She arrived at the Manhyia Palace with a delegation from England, where she paid a courtesy call on the Asantehemaa and the Asantehene.

The engagement also highlighted the historical ties between the Anglican Church and the Asante royal family, which trace back to the reign of Nana Agyeman Prempeh I. The former Asante monarch embraced the Anglican faith during his exile in the Seychelles and later returned to Ghana in 1904 after his baptism.

His conversion marked a significant moment in the relationship between the Asante Kingdom and the Anglican Communion, establishing the church as one of the major Christian denominations connected to the Ashanti royal household.

Addressing the gathering, Dame Sarah Mullaly recognised the important contribution of Asanteman to the growth and history of the Anglican Church and called for stronger cooperation between the two institutions.

“We are working in partnership with the Asante people, and it is so important for the Anglican Church—respecting each other and recognising that each of us is created in the image of God,” she said.

As part of her visit, the Archbishop toured the Manhyia Museum, where she was introduced to the history, customs and traditions of the Asante people, as well as the achievements and legacies of past Asante kings and queens.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his support for the Anglican Diocese of Ghana and wished the Archbishop success in her leadership role, saying her appointment provides hope for the continued growth and stability of the Anglican Communion.

“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. You taking up this office gives us the assurance that you will steer the ship, make it more stable and calm the waters,” the Asantehene said.

A Eucharistic service was subsequently held at the palace, where prayers were offered for the Asantehene and the continuation of his reign.

The visit ended with a special banquet hosted by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in honour of the Archbishop of Canterbury and her delegation.