By ACNS staff

The surviving Metropolitan Archbishop of the Church of the Province of West Africa has been elevated to become its 10th Primate. 

According to a statement issued last night, Daniel Sarfo, Archbishop of the internal province of Ghana, becomes the Member Church's new episcopal leader following the death of Primate Dr S. Tilewa Johnson.

The statement read: "Following the demise of the 9th Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA), the late Most Revd Dr S. Tilewa Johnson and by the Provisions of our Constitution, the Most Revd Dr Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, the Archbishop of the internal province of Ghana automatically becomes the 10th Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop of the CPWA."

Archbishop Johnson, 59, was Primate, Metropolitan Archbishop of the internal province of West Africa and Bishop of Gambia. A popular figure both home and abroad, he died in Fajara on 21 January while playing tennis - one of his favourite pastimes.

His unexpected death prompted tributes from around the world and from across Christian denominations and other religions. His funeral, which took place last Friday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gambia, was attended by, among others, a high-level government delegation, and senior members of the Anglican Communion - including its Secretary General Canon Kenneth Kearon.