Paul Kwabena Boafo was born on Tuesday, 10th September, 1957 at Asankrangwa in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana to a Roman Catholic couple, Opanin Paul Kwaw Boafo of blessed memory and Madam Agatha Ama Asamoah Boafo.
Early Life and Education
Paul started schooling at the Asankrangwa Catholic Primary in 1963. He continued his education at the Wa Experimental Primary School and later moved to other schools in Mangu near Wa, Mim and Kenyasi No.2 in the Brong Ahafo Region, Sefwi Wiawso, and SefwiBekwai in the Western North Region, due to the itinerant ministry of his uncle.It was from the Sefwi Bekwai Methodist Middle School that Paul entered the Wenchi Methodist Secondary School from 1972-1977 for his General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level.He then proceeded to Wesley College, Kumasi, to train as a professional teacher from 1978-1981. After his professional training he was posted to the Mpasatia Methodist Primary School in the Ashanti Region. He taught for two years and felt the call of God upon his life to enter the ordained ministry.
Calling, Ministerial Training and Itinerancy
Paul went through the candidature process from the Mpasatia Circuit in the Kumasi District and was accepted into the Methodist Ministry in 1983. From 1983 to 1986 he studied at Trinity Theological Seminary Legon, Accra and obtained a Diploma in Theology. Paul was commissioned as a Methodist Minister on Sunday, 8thJune, 1986 at the Wesley Cathedral, Accra. He was posted to Akyem Otwereso in the Oda Circuit in the Oda District as the first resident minister. Having completed his three-year probation, he was ordained on Sunday 27thAugust, 1989 at the Wesley Cathedral, Sunyani.
Further Studies and Vocational Experience
From 1989 to 1992 he was permitted by the Church to study at the University of Ghana, Legon. He read Religions and Philosophy for his first degree. Paul was posted to the Osei Tutu Secondary School at Akropong Ashanti as the School Chaplain after his first degree from the University of Ghana.
In September 1996, Paul was offered a World Church Office Scholarship to study for his Master’s in Theology Degree (MTh) in Queen’s University, Belfast, United Kingdom. After a year of brilliant course work,he was permitted to upgrade his programme to PhD in Wesleyan Studies. Paul completed his doctoral studies in 1999.
Superintendency
Upon his return home, Paul was posted to the New Achimota Circuit in the Accra Diocese as the first Superintendent Minister and served for two years (1999-2001). He was transferred to the Accra North Circuit, Adabraka as the first young Superintendent Minister of the Circuit. He served for four years (2001-2005).
KNUST Chaplaincy and Other Ministries
Paul was nominated by The Methodist Church Ghana and appointed as the Protestant Chaplain of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2005. In addition to his primary work as Chaplain, he was teaching at the Religious Studies Department of the University. Paul also served either as chairman, secretary or member of several committees at the KNUST. He served in the position of Protestant Chaplain with distinction for elven years (2005 – 2016).
Scholarship and Academic Engagements
Paul has worked both as a Minister of the Gospel and as a theologian. He has attended a number of Local and International conferences at which he has also made presentations. Paul has a number of publications to his credit including books-both academic and devotional, book chapters and articles. He has numerous entries on Methodism in the Christian Sentinel and a number of conference papers in his fields of teaching and research, especially Wesleyan Studies. Paul is a registered member of the Wesleyan Theological and Wesleyan Philosophical Societies based in the USA.
Administrative Bishop to Presiding Bishop
In July 2016, Paul was nominated as the Administrative Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana and his nomination was confirmed by the Methodist Conference meeting at Tarkwa in August 2016. He served in this capacity for two years, (2016-18).
In August 2018, Paul was elected as the Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana at the Conference meeting in Wesley Cathedral, Sekondi.Since assuming office, Paul has served on a number of Boards and Committees. These include: the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana (2019 – 2021). Chairman of the Trinity Theological Seminary Council, 2020. Chairman of the MUG Council 2018 to date, Chairman of Ghana Evangelism Committee,Chairman of several School Boards. He is also a Board member of the Trustees of the AACC (Nairobi). He served as a member of the Eminent Persons Group of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (2020). Paul is the President of the Africa Methodist Council.
Family Life
Paul is married to Helena Ewurabena Boafo. They have three adult daughters: Rosalynn William-Mensah, Ivy Anna Appah and Juliet Awuku. They also have a number ofgrandchildren.
Interests
Paul loves reading and has a great interest in teaching. As a true committed Methodist, Paul’s zeal is found in the teaching of Methodist traditions and its application in contemporary times for the growth of the Church.
