President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday joined Ghanaians to fast, pray and seek the intervention of Almighty God in the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
The President declared the spiritual exercise during his third national address over the weekend to update the public on measures taken to tackle the outbreak of the disease which has affected 132 people so far, with three deaths.
Over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo pleaded with the public to pray and observe a national day of fasting on Wednesday, March 25, whilst at the same time adhering to the measures outlined to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
Christian Support
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs which is spearheading the spiritual exercise issued a guide for Christians and Muslims with prayer points including thanksgiving for the peace of the nation, prayer for forgiveness on behalf of the nation and the world at large, and prayer for God’s intervention to stop this pandemic.
Other topics included prayer for protection of the health professionals in Ghana and the world, and prayer that God will give medics and scientists the needed wisdom and knowledge to develop vaccines that can combat the coronavirus as soon as possible.
Muslim Support
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, also declared two days of fasting for all Muslims across the country.
The Chief Imam said Muslims were to observe the fasting on Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chief Imam’s office said the declaration was in line with Islamic doctrine and the directive by President Akufo-Addo.
“The National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu wishes to draw the attention of all followers of the Islamic faith in Ghana that the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has declared Wednesday, March 25, 2020 as national day of fasting and prayer,” the statement said.
“ … Muslims of all sects are entreated to support the presidential call … Beyond tomorrow’s (Wednesday) special national fasting, the National Chief Imam has further urged Muslims to observe another fast on Thursday, March 26.
“The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) used to fast on Thursdays, and the Chief Imam said Thursday’s special fast would be in line with the tradition of the prophet, as the nation takes steps and also prays to God for a solution to the pandemic.
“Additionally, the National Chief Imam would like to entreat Muslims of all denominations to fast on Thursday, March 26, 2020 in line with the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W),” the statement said.
“It is important to note that the fasting to be embarked upon on those two days is intended to enhance our collective spiritual struggle to win the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 popularly known as coronavirus … It is our hope that all will cooperate,” it added.
Radio Programmes
On Wednesday, almost every radio and television station dedicated their platforms for prayers and worship and many people patronized such programmes.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri