The Sunyani Anglican Diocese has elected the Very Reverend Martin Apraku Amankwah as its new Coadjutor Bishop, marking a significant moment in the spiritual and administrative leadership of the Church within the Bono Region.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Sunyani by the Diocesan Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr. Festus Yeboah Asuamah, who described the election as both divinely guided and constitutionally grounded.

According to him, the Very Rev. Amankwah was duly elected during a Special Synod of the Diocese held on 11 April 2026, with his appointment subsequently confirmed by the Episcopal Synod in accordance with the provisions of the Provincial Constitution.

Explaining the significance of the role, Rt. Rev. Dr. Asuamah noted that the Coadjutor Bishop works closely with the Diocesan Bishop in overseeing the spiritual, pastoral, and administrative affairs of the Diocese, and is ordinarily positioned to succeed the Diocesan Bishop.

“His testimony has been given of piety, sobriety and honesty of life to be Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani, and of his sound doctrine and faithfulness to the discipline of the Church of Christ, as well as the worthiness of his moral conduct,” the Bishop affirmed.

In a symbolic and canonical step, the Diocesan Bishop presented the Mandate of Consecration signed by the Most Reverend Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Metropolitan Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa.

Quoting from the mandate, Rt. Rev. Dr. Asuamah stated: “Testimony has been given of his having been made deacon on 15 September 2007, and ordained on 28 June 2008. Now therefore we, by Divine Providence, Metropolitan Archbishop and Primate of the Province of West Africa, do by this our mandate direct that due order be taken for the consecration of Very Rev. Amankwah to the office of Bishop in the Church of God.”

The Diocesan Bishop congratulated the Bishop-elect and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen unity and deepen collaboration among clergy, laity, parishes, institutions, and partners of the Church.

In his acceptance remarks, the Very Rev. Amankwah expressed profound gratitude to the clergy, laity, and the entire Anglican community for the trust reposed in him.

He pledged to serve with dedication and humility, working tirelessly to advance not only the holistic growth of the Sunyani Diocese but also the broader mission of Christendom.

“I am deeply honoured by this call to service and will commit myself fully to the spiritual and developmental advancement of the Church,” he said.

The election of the Coadjutor Bishop is seen as a strategic step in ensuring continuity, stability, and strengthened leadership within the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani, as it continues to expand its pastoral reach and institutional impact across the region.

Report by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region