Former President Mahama communes with Clergy in Kumasi

Former President John Dramani Mahama yesterday met with hundreds of clergy members at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, to worship and discuss his presidential ambitions. 

The solemn event, dubbed “Mahama Fellowships with the Clergy, Kumasi Edition”, brought together leaders of the Christian faith from all denominations in the Ashanti Region.

They included the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr Seth Frimpong Coleman, and Ashanti East, North and West Regional Superintendents of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Dr Emmanuel K. Gyasi, Rev. George Ampofo and Rev Augustine Kofi Bempah, respectively.

Also present was the Zonal Head Pastor of the Saviour Church of Ghana, Daniel Mensah, and Rev. Dr Ebenezer Opambour Adarkwa Yiadom - Prophet One, leader and founder of Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre.

The gathering was a blend of spiritual reflection and strategic discourse, as the clergy and leaders of the various churches prayed for the nation to be able to navigate the prevailing developmental challenges.

The soul-searching worship and heartfelt prayers were interspersed with insightful discussions that focused on propelling the nation from hardship to prosperity.

Wisdom-filled counsel poured in for the former President while collective supplications also sought divine guidance, protection and blessings for him, his family and campaign team.

Challenges

Mr Mahama, who is the presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December 7 elections this year, emphasised the country's economic struggles, citing significant debt and its resultant hardships, including the energy sector where the country owes independent power producers substantial amounts.

He said the Ghana Gas project, initiated by Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, had helped to reduce gas costs but said the government's failure to pay producers had limited gas supply.

Mr Mahama also said that mismanagement of the economy had led to a debt exchange programme, resulting in hardships for individuals and businesses, including people who invested in government bonds.

He said the people, who included pensioners who saved in bonds, were now facing reduced returns or extended maturity periods, unsure if they would live to reap their savings.

Mr Mahama also said that there was erosion of faith in democracy among the nation's youth due to government’s actions that had led to weakening of institutions. 

He said illegal mining was driven by leadership greed, and called for urgent actions to reverse the dwindling status of the environment.

Day of Prayer

The former President pledged to introduce an annual National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to bring together all faiths to express gratitude and seek divine guidance for the country.

“The events will serve as a day of intercession, promoting national unity and cohesion vital for our country's growth and development,” he added.

Mr Mahama also expressed commitment to support the Church to venture into revenue generating activities to address financial challenges of their respective congregations.

He mentioned the agricultural sector where churches could invest in to reap the expected yields for growth.