The Anglican Diocese of Koforidua has conferred the title of Honorary Lay Canon on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in recognition of his distinguished service to public life and commitment to social justice.
The installation ceremony took place on Passion Sunday, the fifth Sunday in Lent, at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral in Koforidua.
In a statement following the ceremony, Akufo-Addo described the honour as both humbling and a call to greater service within the Church. “This recognition by the Diocese and Province, for service in public life and social justice, calls me to undertake special responsibilities in health, evangelism, education, investments, tourism and hospitality,” he said.
Reflecting on his life’s journey, the former President attributed his achievements to faith and divine grace. “My experiences and service throughout my adult life have been a testimony of God’s love and a vindication of the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,’” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the mission of the Church, pledging continued dedication to spiritual growth and service. “I commit, as I have always, to continued service to the Church, to live a holy life, and to pray regularly for God’s blessing upon the work of the Church in the world, especially in this Diocese and the West African Province,” he noted.
Akufo-Addo also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Anglican Church for the recognition. “I remain eternally grateful to His Lordship Rt. Rev. Felix Odei Annancy, the officiating clergy of the Anglican Diocese of Koforidua, and the entire Anglican Communion in Ghana and across the world,” he added.
The role of Lay Canon in the Anglican Communion is typically conferred on distinguished laypersons who have demonstrated exemplary service, and involves supporting the Church’s mission across various sectors of national life.
