Muslims pray for nation - President charges Ghanaians to embrace common identity
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard of the National Mosque as hundreds of white-clad worshippers gathered to pray for the nation.
President John Mahama, under whose direction the day was being observed, and his delegation bowed in reverence.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, though aged, sat serenely in a white, immaculate robe at the centre of the gathering, his eyes half-closed in devotion while his spokesperson's voice echoed across the hushed crowd, before offering special prayers for the country and its leaders.
Event
This was the setting yesterday, as President Mahama joined Muslim faithful at the National Mosque at Kanda in Accra for a historic National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, an event marked by solemn reflection, interfaith solidarity and calls for national unity.
The special thanksgiving and prayer session, led by Sheikh Sharubutu and other prominent Islamic clerics, sought divine guidance and blessings for the nation’s continued peace, stability and prosperity.
In attendance were government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; the acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and the Chairman of the Council of State, Edward Doe Adjaho.
His Eminence Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, who delivered the sermon at the Christian event earlier in the morning, was present at the National Mosque to mark the day with the Muslim community.
Also present was the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with religious leaders.
“I am dedicated to deepening the relationship between the administration and the Muslim community,” Mr Ibrahim said, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the state and faith-based organisations in national development.
Call for reflection
The sermon was delivered by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih, who urged Ghanaians to reflect on the sacrifices of past heroes and the nation’s abundant blessings.
“Ghana is a land of divine natural beauty, endowed with abundant resources.
“These blessings remind us of God’s favour, and we must remain grateful while working to preserve our unity and progress,” he added.
Maulvi Salih commended President Mahama for his leadership and modest achievements since assuming office, and called on citizens to support the government in its efforts to advance national development.
Special prayers were said for the prosperity of the country and the protection of its leaders.
Speaking through his spokesperson, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, the Chief Imam emphasised that expressing gratitude to God for His blessings was right and necessary.
Significance
President Mahama said that the event was neither politically motivated nor intended to favour any group, but rather to unite citizens in gratitude.
“On behalf of all the people of Ghana, I say, Allah, we thank you,” he said.
“This day is about acknowledging God’s mercies and seeking continued guidance for our nation,” he added.
The President also emphasised the importance of communal harmony, urging citizens to reject tribalism and divisive politics.
“The spirit of sharing during Muslim and Christian festivals must not be taken for granted,” he said, added that "we must resist those who profit from disunity and instead embrace our common identity as Ghanaians”.
