News of Grace Nkansa Asante’s appointment rippled through academic and religious circles this week. A professor at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, Prof. Nkansa Asante has been selected to represent Africa on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC). This marks the first time a woman from the African continent has been chosen for this crucial role, coinciding with her status as Ghana’s first female Full Professor of Economics. The Church of England announced her appointment on May 13th, signaling a move toward broader global participation in the selection of its highest leaders; specifically the upcoming Archbishop Selection.

The significance of this appointment cannot be overstated. It not only acknowledges the growing importance of the Anglican Church in Africa but also recognizes Prof. Nkansa Asante’s unique qualifications. Her expertise spans both spiritual and economic realms, providing a multifaceted perspective as the CNC embarks on the sensitive task of selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

So, who is Grace Nkansa Asante? A multifaceted academic and spiritual leader, she currently serves as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at KNUST. Before achieving the distinction of becoming Ghana’s first female Full Professor of Economics, she honed her academic credentials with degrees from both KNUST and the University of Ghana. Her academic focus lies in the critical areas of Economic Policy Analysis, Monetary Economics, and Financial Economics, making her a sought-after expert in economic governance. Furthermore, she has served as a visiting lecturer with the African Economic Research Consortium, broadening her impact across the continent.

Beyond her professorial duties, Nkansa Asante held the position of Head of KNUST’s Department of Economics from 2019 to 2022. During her tenure, she spearheaded institutional reforms and dedicated her time to mentoring young economists, shaping the next generation of African economic thinkers. Her expertise has also been sought by organizations like the African Development Bank and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, where she contributed to policy and development initiatives.

Adding another dimension to her already impressive resume, Grace Nkansa Asante is an ordained Anglican priest. She serves at Archbishop Thomas Cranmer Anglican Church, located on the KNUST campus, seamlessly integrating her spiritual calling with her academic pursuits. A colleague noted, "Her combined expertise in spiritual leadership and economic governance uniquely equips her for the CNC’s work."

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), the body to which Professor Nkansa Asante has been appointed, bears the weighty responsibility of selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury. This individual will be the 106th Archbishop, continuing a lineage of spiritual leaders stretching back centuries. This year marks a turning point, however, as the CNC undergoes historic reform to include five regional representatives for the first time. This initiative underscores the Church of England’s commitment to broadening global participation in its leadership decisions.

The inclusion of these regional voices, particularly that of Prof. Nkansa Asante, ensures that Africa’s perspective is considered during this pivotal selection process. Her appointment also brings considerable recognition to KNUST, highlighting the university’s role as a center of academic excellence on the African continent. The Archbishop Selection is an intensive process.

The CNC is scheduled to convene for meetings in May, July, and September, following a global consultation process that took place earlier this year. Details of this consultation, according to the Church of England’s announcement, involve gathering perspectives from across the Anglican Communion on the qualities and priorities needed in the next Archbishop. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the selected leader is well-suited to address the challenges and opportunities facing the global Anglican community.

The Archbishop Selection carries significant weight because the Archbishop of Canterbury serves as the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, a global fellowship of over 85 million Christians. The Archbishop plays a crucial role in fostering unity, guiding theological direction, and representing the Anglican Church on the world stage. The historical significance of the position underscores the gravity of the CNC’s task in finding the right individual to fill this influential role.

In conclusion, Professor Grace Nkansa Asante’s groundbreaking appointment to the Crown Nominations Commission marks a significant moment for both Africa and the Anglican Communion. As the CNC embarks on the crucial task of the Archbishop Selection, her voice will undoubtedly contribute to a more inclusive and globally representative decision, helping shape the future of the Anglican Church for years to come.