Kumasi, April 27, GNA - The Very Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Head of the Department of Religious Studies of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was at the weekend elected the new Methodist Bishop of Kumasi. He polled 173 votes to beat Very Rev Oswald K. Boakye, Minister in-charge of the Kaneshie branch of the church in Accra who had 29 votes and Rev Dr Paul Boafo, Protestant Chaplain of the KNUST, who had eight votes.

The election coincided with the 47th annual synod of the diocese held in Kumasi under the theme: "Keep the Fire Burning". Rev Prof Asante, 58, succeeds Right Reverend Nuh Ben Abubekr whose term of office ends in September this year. Rt. Rev Abubekr in an address after the election described Rev. Asante as experienced minister and hoped that he would use that to improve on the performances of the diocese. Rev Prof Asante thanked the synod for the confidence reposed in him and appealed to them to rally behind him in the performance of his duties.

He said his priority areas would include the expansion of the evangelism activities and programmes to ensure the growth of membership of the church and also promote education.