“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The nation vividly demonstrated yesterday the spirit and letter of 2 Chronicles 7:14 when Christians and Muslims gathered at different locations to pray, thank God for His blessings and mercies and ask for guidance into the future.
At the forecourt of the State House at Osu in Accra, Christians from all denominations gathered for a full church service to seek the face of God in the affairs of the nation and its people.
It was an outpour of thanksgiving and intercessory prayers for the blessings, peace and stability God has graciously bestowed on the state from its Independence to date.
On the theme: "Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity" and broadcast live across the country, the maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving inspired many Ghanaians to join in the Christian or Muslim prayers from their homes, workplaces and places of worship.
The historic moment significantly marked the Republic Day, the day the country gained full independence from colonial rule, a momentous occasion in the annals of the nation’s chequered history, and was graced in unison by Ghanaians of all ages and class, including eminent personalities, clergymen and leading politicians, to capture the mood of the nation.
The overwhelming participation of Christians of all denominations and Muslims at the National Mosque at Kanda in Accra signalled a collective desire for spiritual renewal and national progress, underscoring the government's commitment to fostering national unity and spiritual reflection.
Video endorsements
The event also featured video endorsements from several distinguished personalities, including former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Akufo-Addo, as well as former First Ladies, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur.
Christian Service
The Christian interdenominational service in the morning, ably steered by Bishop Emeritus James Saah of Action Chapel International, and the Founder and General Overseer of the Lord’s Garden Ministries, with song ministration by Francis Amo, Perez Music, Aaron Dramani, Joe Mettle, Jack Alolome, and Tagoe Sisters, among others, was a vibrant yet solemn gathering which was also attended by high-ranking government officials, including the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe Bonney.
Some members of the clergy glorifying God during the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day at the forecourt of the State House in Accra. Picture: SAMUEL TEI ADANO
Other prominent figures were the heads of security services, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, private sector leaders and members of the diplomatic corps.
Almost all ecumenical leaders, including the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, attended the service.
They included Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams of Action Chapel International, Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare of Perez Chapel International, Bishop Dag Heward Mills, Leader of the United Denominations Emanating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches; Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Pentecost Church; Rev. Steven Wengam of the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana; Bishop Ampiah Kwofie of the Global Revival Ministries, Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah of the Royalhouse Chapel International, Bishop Owusu Bempah, Rev. Steve Mensah, Rev. Dr Ebenezer Markwei, Bishop N. A. Tackie Yarboi, and Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere was charged with powerful worship sessions, scripture readings and intercessory prayers for the nation's leadership, economy and social cohesion.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, and some traditional leaders at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
There were four scripture readings and four prayer sessions. The first was by the Speaker of Parliament, the second by the acting Chief Justice, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), represented by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reading the third scripture from 1 Timothy 2:3, while the National Democratic Congress (NDC), represented by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, took the fourth scripture from John 14:25-27.
Attendees made a striking impression, all adorned in pristine white attire, creating a visual representation of solidarity and grace throughout the event.
The service, based on gratitude and national renewal, saw the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, of the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, deliver the sermon.
Need for thanksgiving
President Mahama said there was a lot to thank God for, hence the National Day of Prayer, which was also to reaffirm the nation’s trust in the “one who has brought us this far, the Almighty God.”
He said thanksgiving was important because the nation recognised the profound truth that “God has preserved our dear nation Ghana”.
The President said: “For every peaceful sunrise, every child who is safely born, every harvest, every healing, every quiet moment of joy, and every act of kindness in our land is not by our strength alone.
“These are the manifestations of God's mercy and grace, quoting James 1:17, that says every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.
President Mahama stressed that as a result of prayer, Ghana had been spared conflicts, instability and rising despair, and remained an oasis of peace, despite its challenges.
“It is the fruit of faithful believers like you, who have interceded persistently for the soul of our nation on every occasion.
On this occasion, on behalf of all the people of our dear country, I want to thank all our pastors, reverend ministers, men and women of God, shepherds of the flock, intercessors, and worshippers, both known and unknown, who day after day bear up our nation before the throne of grace,” the President said.
Unite in faith
He said in a world where faith could divide nations, the faith of Ghanaians was uniting the nation.
He, therefore, urged all to remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, religious extremism, and the poison of political hostility, stressing, “These are the seeds of division that we must never let take root in our precious nation, Ghana.”
President Mahama also urged Ghanaians to be generous in compassion and be upright in conduct.
Leadership to account
He charged the citizens to hold those in authority, including him, 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 of us,” he stated.
President Mahama stated that the Office of the President, which he occupied through the grace of God, was not above the law.
“Leadership must be grounded in justice, in honesty, and in the reverence of God. If we want a just Ghana, we must be just in leadership.
A nation's greatness is not measured by the heights of its skyscrapers or the size of its budgets.
“The values of its people are the true measure of a nation's greatness.
The virtues of courage, of honesty, of discipline, of sacrifice and compassion are what really measure the greatness of any nation.
It is in these quiet strengths that the true power of our country, Ghana, resides,” President Mahama stated.
President Mahama expressed optimism that the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving would become an enduring tradition, fostering a culture of gratitude and collective responsibility among citizens.
“Thank you, Lord, thank you for what you have done, for being with us during times of crisis and leading us into a future of peace and abundance,” he said.
The President urged Ghanaians to embrace unity, peace and selfless service as the nation reflected on its journey.
Ancient paths
Cardinal Turkson said nations, like individuals, often faced crossroads, drawing parallels to biblical Israel’s struggles and triumphs.
He said throughout history, countries encountered crossroads moments, but how they navigated them determined their future.
“Whatever vision of Ghana we have gathered here to express, we need to formulate our own place within that vision; we are looking for virtuous Ghanaians,” he said.
Referencing Ghana’s past, he acknowledged both inspiring and challenging experiences.
“We have heard comparisons with nations like Singapore”, he said, adding that it showed what was possible with vision and determination.
Cardinal Turkson said: “Our own history includes moments of great promise, such as Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy, which delivered institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)”.
While urging all to give thanks and gratitude to God, he said the gathering should serve as a turning point in “our own shared journey towards a more just, compassionate and unified country”.
Cardinal Turkson also addressed the devastating effects of galamsey (illegal mining) on Ghana’s environment and public health.
He listed several rivers that had been heavily polluted, including the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Offin and Tano.
With sorrow, he said, toxic chemicals from the illegal activities had seeped into water sources, leading to severe health consequences.
"Mothers are now giving birth to babies with deformities," he said.
Cardinal Turkson, among other exhortations, said: “The wealth of this land with everything that exists here are for Ghanaians.
So, they also must serve the common needs and the common purpose of all of us”.
He stressed that individual interests and gains should not be allowed “to cause negative externalities for all of us”.
Cardinal Turkson rallied all that the transformation of the land would not simply be the task of the President in spite of all his good intentions, but the onus depended on all citizens.
