Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been installed as a Lay Canon of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral in the Anglican Diocese of Koforidua.
The installation took place in a colorful ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the church’s auditorium in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.
A lay canon is a non-ordained individual awarded an honorary title, often in recognition of leadership within the church’s life, such as in Anglican dioceses.
The ceremony involves the bishop formally appointing the lay canon. While lay canons do not hold clerical powers, such as presiding over Holy Communion, they may serve on the cathedral chapter, advise the bishop, and represent the church’s image.
Speaking to journalists, the Anglican Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese, Right Reverend Felix Odei Annancy, emphasized that the church decided to honor Akufo-Addo for his contributions to their growth while he is alive.
“It is good to honor someone alive so that the person can witness such a memorable day, enabling them to feel that their efforts, sacrifices, contributions, and comments have been recognized while they are alive, rather than doing so after they are gone,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Odei expressed optimism that Akufo-Addo will use his experience to help fellow lay canons in managing the church’s affairs.
Akufo-Addo thanked the church for recognizing his contributions and efforts toward its development.
“For this, I remain eternally grateful to His Lordship Rt. Rev. Felix Odei Annancy, the Officiating Clergy of the Anglican Diocese of Koforidua, in the Church of the Province of West Africa, and the entire Anglican Communion in Ghana and around the world,” he said.
As a Lay Canon in the Anglican Communion, he acknowledged the honor from the Diocese and Province for his work in public service and social justice, including duties in health, evangelism, investments, education, tourism, and hospitality.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serve the church with humility and integrity, aiming to elevate its image.
“My experiences and service throughout my adult life have been a testimony of God’s love and a vindication of Jesus Christ’s words in Matthew 19:26, which states, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’
“I am committed to continuing my service to the Church, living a holy life, praying regularly for God’s blessing on its work in the world and especially in this Diocese and the West African Province, and gladly following in the footsteps of those who have served God through worship in this Cathedral, Diocese, and Province,” added the former President.
