The Asante-Mampong Diocese of the Anglican Church has been inaugurated amid outpouring of joy and praises to God.

The diocese is the second to be created in the Ashanti Region after Kumasi and comes over a century after the introduction of the Anglican faith to the region.

The Asantehene, Otumfo Osei Tutu 11, was among traditional rulers, the clergy and other high profile personalities in public service, politics and business who joined in the celebration of the occasion at a special church service held on the theme “Working together to grow the harvest”.

The new diocese has seven parishes; Saint Michael’s and all Angels, (Cathedral) at Mampong, Kumawu St Peter’s, Ejura St Mary’s, Kwamang St Andrews, Nsuta St Joseph’s, Juaben St Paul’s, and Odumasi St Peter’s alongside two sub-parishes and 24 outstations.

It would be served by a bishop and 13 priests.

Inaugurating the diocese, the Most Reverend Professor Daniel Yinkah-Sarfo, the Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop of the Internal Province of West Africa, thanked God for the birth of the new diocese.

He said he was personally happy because the inauguration of the diocese happened 15-and-a-half years into his episcopal stewardship over the Kumasi diocese.

During the period, the number of archdeaconries had gone up to seven from four, with total parishes increasing from 26 to 30. Outstations had also grown from 49 to 82.

He spoke of the need to intensify the church’s evangelisation to bring the gospel of truth and hope to more people, win converts and grow the church.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu 11, the Omanhene of Mampong, said he was overjoyed at the creation of the diocese and pledged the support of the chiefs in the area for the diocese.

He promised that the traditional council would provide land for the construction of more structiures for the diocese, as well as residential accommodation.