President Mahama speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Service
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaian citizens to remain vigilant against voices of tribalism, religious extremism and poison of political hostility, as they stand a chance of destroying the peace and tranquility the nation has enjoyed over the years.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the forecourt of the State House yesterday, President Mahama noted that in Ghana, churches and mosques do not compete for dominance but coexist with mutual respect and dignity. He added that “our different traditions and backgrounds have not weakened us; rather, they have strengthened us in our shared identity.”
“This is a precious gift we must protect. Let us remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, against the voices of religious extremism and against the poison of political hostility, these are the seeds of division that we must never let take a root in our precious nation, Ghana. We must speak a language of peace, compassion and mutual respect, we must build bridges, not barriers,” he said.
President Mahama expressed warm gratitude to the clergymen for their persistent intercessory prayers for the country, indicating that “our nation, Ghana, is richly endowed with resources and natural beauty and something even more precious, spiritual harmony and religious tolerance in a world where faith can divide nations, our faith in Ghana unites us.”
Referring to James 2:17, which reads “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead,” President Mahama mentioned that as believers gather and pray, “let us renew our commitment to living out our faith through truth, love, and service to the nation.”
“We must hold those in authority, including myself, accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility. Leadership is not a privilege for personal gain; it is a sacred trust bestowed by the people, and the responsibility to serve all, especially the most vulnerable. Even the Office of the President, which I hold by the grace of God, is not above the law. Leadership must be grounded in justice, honesty, and reverence for God.
“If we want a just Ghana, we must be just in our leadership. A nation’s greatness is not measured by the height of its skyscrapers or the size of its budget, but by the values of its people. It is in this quiet strength that the true power of our country, Ghana, resides. It is through these virtues that we will rise and prosper,” he stated.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson also urged Ghanaians to adopt a renewed sense of responsibility and solidarity, warning that unchecked greed and selfishness pose a threat to the nation’s resources and the well-being of future generations.
Preaching at the inaugural National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra, Cardinal Turkson emphasised that the day should mark a turning point for moral courage and spiritual renewal, going beyond mere words.
“We gather for this sacred occasion not only to give thanks to God but under the theme of reflection, reset and renewal for national prosperity,” he said.
“These are not just words; they are a call to moral clarity, national courage and spiritual awakening for fashioning a Ghana of opportunities for the inclusive well-being of all its children,” he added.
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams also called on President Mahama to transform Ghana’s fortunes within his remaining time in office, citing biblical examples of dramatic change achieved in a short period. The General Overseer of Action Chapel International (ACI) Ministry urged the President to make a significant impact in a short time, just like Jesus fulfilled his mission in three years.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams emphasised the need for decisive leadership to revive the nation’s economy and reverse years of stagnation. “Let our currency thrive under your leadership. Let things get better and better and better like never before,” he prayed, reflecting the frustrations of many Ghanaians who yearn for economic progress.
Founder and presiding Bishop of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, described Ghana’s National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day as a profound act of humility. He called on citizens to seek forgiveness and divine healing for the country, drawing inspiration from 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Bishop Heward-Mills commended national leaders for supporting the event, praying that Ghana would be honoured as a nation that does not forget God. “For those nations that forget God shall be turned into hell. But those that honour You, You shall also honour them. Therefore, we ask You to also honour our leaders for honouring You on this day,” he said.
Islamic Prayers
Ghana’s Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led prayers for peace and blessings at a national event at the National Mosque, Kanda, seeking divine guidance and protection for the nation. The Chief Imam’s prayers were followed by another cleric who recited from the Quran, asking Allah to bless the nation, the President, and all those in attendance.
The cleric prayed that the Quran would be a source of guidance and strength for the nation, and that Allah’s blessings would be upon the country’s leaders and citizens.
“May Allah bless our homeland, Ghana. May He preserve our peace, deepen our unity, guide us towards enduring prosperity, and reward every sincere heart that has prayed, fasted, and worked for the good of this nation,” he added.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke