The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has arrived in Ghana for her inaugural official visit, receiving a warm welcome from leaders of the Church of the Province of West Africa and the Anglican Diocese of Accra.

The historic visit marks Archbishop Mullally’s first engagement in Ghana since assuming office and is expected to focus on strengthening ties within the Anglican Communion, encouraging Christian communities, and sharing a message of hope and faith.

Speaking upon her arrival on July 25, 2026, Archbishop Mullally described her visit as a homecoming, expressing excitement about meeting people and sharing in the joy of the Gospel.

“It feels very much like I’m coming home. We just need people to know that God is with us, and we come to share together in that joy of the Gospel,” she said.

She said her visit was centred on encouraging Christians in their faith journey and reassuring them of God’s presence in both challenging and joyful moments of life.

“It is really about encouraging people in their Christian discipleship, reassuring them of God’s presence with them, that we have good news and a gospel to share,” Archbishop Mullally said.

According to her, the message of Christianity remains one of hope, as Christ walks with people through the various experiences of life.

“That is good news for everybody that Christ is with us, alongside us, and in the ups and downs, the joys and the difficult moments of our lives, God walks with us,” she said.

Archbishop Mullally, who is the first woman to occupy the position of Archbishop of Canterbury, also shared a message of encouragement to women, girls and young ladies who look up to her as a role model.

She urged them to recognise their value and purpose through their faith, drawing inspiration from the words of the prophet Isaiah.

“I hope they know the words of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43, that God has called you by name and has made you His own,” she said.

She encouraged women and girls to embrace their identity in Christ, develop confidence and boldly live out their faith.

“I hope that each one of them will know that God has called them for who they are, to find their identity in Christ and to have boldness for the gospel. I hope, therefore, that I will be an encouragement to them,” she added.

The former nurse turned priest is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England’s nearly 500-year history.

The visit forms part of her inaugural 10-day pastoral tour of West Africa, which covers Ghana and Cameroon.

JKB/AM

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