The story of the Kumasi Diocese begins with the passionate missionary efforts of the Wesleyan Methodists, led by the determined Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman in 1839. But before the diocese came to be, Mr. James Hayford, a representative of the British Merchant Company in Kumasi had already planted the seeds of Methodism by starting a fellowship in the city. His friendly rapport with the locals even earned him a chance to conduct a divine service in the King’s palace!
This burgeoning movement caught the attention of the church in Cape Coast, which decided to send Rev. Freeman to Kumasi. They rallied together to fund the mission, raising sixty pounds to help spread the gospel in the then “dark Ashanti.” However, Rev. Freeman faced quite the adventure on his first trip. He had to navigate through the confusion and delays in Kusa and Fomena, waiting a whopping 48 days before gaining an audience with King Nana Kwaku Duah.
Finally, on April 1, 1839, the King welcomed him into Kumasi, and Rev. Freeman and his crew were greeted with warmth. They were given the green light to preach in the streets and even conducted two divine services during their stay. At that moment, the foundation of Methodism in Ashanti was laid, and the Kumasi Diocese was just beginning to blossom.
After a brief return to the coast, Rev. Freeman made his grand comeback in December 1841, bringing gifts to the Asantehene that included a carriage, a beautifully crafted table, twelve elegant chairs, and fancy dinnerware fit for royalty! He also brought back two Asante princes, John Owusu Ansah and William Owusu Kwantabisa, who were sent to England as a sign of Asante’s commitment to a treaty.
By 1842, the Asantehene had approved Rev. Freeman’s request to set up the first mission post in Kumasi, granting them land in Krobo Odumase (K.O.). This very land now hosts several properties of the Methodist Church Ghana, including the significant Nana Kwaku Duah I Methodist House, which serves as the diocesan headquarters.
Fast forward to July 1961, when the Methodist Church Ghana achieved autonomy and birthed five new districts, including the Kumasi District. The transformation into the Kumasi Diocese followed the adoption of the biblical pattern of Episcopacy in 1999, marking a new era for the church.
With Rev. Brooking as the first Resident Minister stationed in Kumasi, a multitude of missionaries and ministers have since served this thriving diocese. Today, the Kumasi Diocese boasts an impressive team of about 160 active ministers, supported by 23 lay staff to help manage the Diocesan Head Office.
From its humble beginnings to its current stature, the Kumasi Diocese is a vibrant testament to faith, resilience, and community spirit in Ashanti
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