The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has rolled the red carpet for the Archbishop of Canterbury with a splendid royal ceremonial welcome to his Manhyia Palace.

A colourful durbar was organized, on Thursday, by the King in honour of the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who is in the country for a pastoral visit to the Church of the Province of West Africa.

The visit which was his first to the country by the Archbishop of the worldwide Anglican Communion comes at a time when Kumasi has become the seat of the Province- with the Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Yinkah-Safo as its Archbishop and Primate.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu traced the strong ties between the Golden Stool and the Anglican Church - dating back to early 20th Century when the then Asantehene, King Prempeh, got baptized into the Anglican faith whilst in exile in Seychelles.

Since then, the Asante Kingdom has accepted and opened its heart not only to the Anglican Communion, but to all churches bearing faith in the omnipotent God, the King said.

He said the Christian message of love and forgiveness had strengthened the Asanteman, inspired, and reshaped its values, including the commitment to peace, education, integrity and hard work.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu praised Archbishop Welby for his contribution towards purging the human society of evil, removing inequalities and ensuring greater harmony among peoples.

“In the face of the heightened threat to world peace arising from religious conflicts, you have shown leadership in promoting inter-faith harmony and have been known to be active in promoting peace in Nigeria,” he stated.

The Asantehene called for continued prayers for the nation and the Province amid the battle against the dreadful Ebola.

Archbishop Welby- accompanied by his wife, Caroline, said he was overwhelmed by the warmth shown to them.

He hailed the King for his good leadership, saying, he would continue to pray for abiding blessings of peace, wisdom and good health for him.