Ghana Link (Portsmouth)
Our diocese has had strong links with Anglican churches, schools and communities in Ghana as part of the Ghana Link (Portsmouth) for more than 40 years. The link was formed in 1978 and was previously known as IDWAL.
Churchgoers from our diocese visit Ghana, and we welcome people from Ghana here. We also collaborate on projects, pray for each other and learn valuable insights from each other, with individuals keeping in touch with their friends in many different ways. The idea is to mutually support each other in Christian faith and mission.
There is a particularly supportive relationship between Portsmouth Diocese and St Nicholas Anglican Seminary. St Nicholas Seminary strives to be a centre of excellence in African Christian leadership, to provide training for ordained and lay ministry. We believe supporting those in training here can have a major impact on all Christians within Ghana.
How Ghana Link works
Our Ghana Link strategy includes:
- Ensuring that links are primarily about building relationships, mutual supportvand sharing experience
- Commitment to supporting the work of St Nicholas Anglican Seminary, Cape Coast
- Developing links between our Deaneries and Ghana Dioceses. The current arrangement is:
- Bishop’s Waltham deanery is linked with the Diocese of Wiawso
- Fareham deanery is linked with the Dioceses of Sekondi-Takoradi and Wiawso
- Gosport deanery is linked with the Diocese of Accra
- Havant deanery is linked with the Diocese of Koforidua
- Petersfield deanery is linked with the Dioceses of Cape Coast and Dunkwa-on-Offin
- Portsmouth deanery is linked with the Diocese of Ho
- Isle of Wight deanery is linked with the Dioceses of Sunyani and Tamale
- Portsmouth Cathedral is linked with Sunyani Cathedral and Kumasi
- Encouraging parish to parish links (in the context of the Deanery/Diocese partnership) and supporting visits
Diocesan Ghana Link committee
The Diocesan Committee meets regularly to exchange information, make policy and approve grants. Its membership is formed of Deanery representatives, and those with a heart for Ghana. The Chair is appointed by the Bishop. The current executive officers are:
