President John Dramani Mahama, at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held on Tuesday, July 1, issued a powerful appeal for unity and national healing, urging Ghanaians to rise above tribalism, religious division, and political rivalry.
Speaking at the event, the President underscored the importance of cohesion in securing the country’s progress.
“Let us remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, the voices of religious extremism and against the poison of political division. These are the seeds of division that we must never let take root in our precious nation, Ghana,” Mahama stated.
The President called on citizens to be intentional about the language and actions they employ, stressing the need for words that promote healing, not harm. He also attributed Ghana’s peaceful climate to divine grace and the continued prayers of its people.
“It is the fruit of faithful believers like you, who have interceded persistently for the soul of our nation on every occasion,” he said.
Highlighting the resilience of the country amidst growing regional instability, President Mahama described Ghana as an “oasis of peace” and stressed the importance of preserving this unity in the face of growing global and local threats. “Peace must not be taken for granted… Our different traditions and our backgrounds have not weakened us. They have strengthened us in our shared identity. This is a precious gift we must protect,” he added.
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Touching on governance, Mahama reiterated that public office must be viewed as a responsibility to serve rather than a privilege for personal benefit. “We must hold those in authority, including myself, accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility. Public office is not a privilege for personal gain; it is a sacred trust bestowed by the people and a responsibility to serve all, especially the most vulnerable,” he stated.
He further declared that even the highest office in the land is not above accountability. “Even the office of the President, which by the grace of God I now hold, is not above the law,” he said.
Clergy Calls for Ethical Living and Environmental Stewardship
Delivering a stirring message at the event, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson urged Ghanaians to embrace moral integrity and collective responsibility. He warned against greed and unchecked selfishness, which he said were threatening national resources and the well-being of future generations.
“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,” Cardinal Turkson said. He added that the day must be a catalyst for moral courage and spiritual renewal.
He cited environmental degradation as a dire warning of unchecked personal gain over the common good. “The Pra River no longer yields prawns and shrimps; children who swim in our rivers are exposed to cyanide and mercury. Our church hospitals see rising cases of birth deformities. These are the consequences of irresponsible exploitation,” he lamented.
He stressed the need for Ghanaians to uphold virtuous living, stating: “You don’t need to be a priest or pastor; every Ghanaian must live responsibly and think of the common good.”
Religious Leaders Align with Vision of a “Reset Ghana”
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Presiding Archbishop of Action Chapel International, called on the President to lead a national transformation agenda that would renew Ghana’s economic and social fabric. He shared a vision of a country where citizens are no longer forced to migrate in search of opportunity.
He expressed hope for a Ghana where international travel is motivated by leisure rather than economic necessity. He also urged young people to pursue their education and careers at home.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, led a solemn prayer of repentance, drawing inspiration from 2 Chronicles 7:14. He encouraged the congregation to seek divine healing for the nation, emphasizing the transformative power of collective intercession.
“I believe God is going to heal Ghana through our prayers and there’s going to be healing in every part of our nation’s life — in leadership, hospitals, schools, our roads, politics and government,” he declared.
In a prayer of contrition, he acknowledged the moral failures of individuals and institutions, pleading: “Forgive us, O Lord, for the harms we ourselves have caused.”
National Reflection and Collective Responsibility
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving brought together Christians from various denominations, as well as political and civic leaders, to reflect on the nation’s progress and spiritual journey. The recurring theme of the event, reflection, reset, and renewal, echoed through every address and prayer offered.
It was a moment not only of religious observance but of civic introspection, urging Ghanaians to recommit to values of integrity, unity, and moral courage in shaping a prosperous and peaceful future.
Source: Benjamin Hutchful/ATLFMNEWS
