National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day launched

A National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day has been launched in Accra with a call on citizens to shelve partisanship, religious and ethnic differences and pray for the development of the country.

The event, slated for July 1, 2025, would be held on the theme: "Reflect, reset and renew for national prosperity."

It would be held at the national, regional and district levels, with the ultimate aim of promoting the spiritual wellbeing of the nation.

Venue

At the launch in Accra yesterday, the Chairman of the planning committee, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, explained that at the national level a Christian Service would be held at the forecourt of the State House at 8:00a.m., to be followed by Islamic Prayers at the National Mosque in Kanda at 12:30p.m.

He added that similar services would be held across all the 16 regions, spearheaded by the various Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), that the committee was working closely with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to coordinate the affairs at all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs).

"We want to tell all citizens that on this day, we do not need party colours; all we need is the national colours. Put away your NDC, NPP, CPP or whatever colours you associate with," he said.

Patriotism

Mr Ankrah explained that the idea behind the day was to reflect on the country's development trajectory , seek God's intervention for a mindset change, and renew faith in God for a prosperous country.

"Through this initiative, we are called upon to reflect on where we came from as a people, review our strengths and weaknesses, and forge ahead in unity.

"A call to reset the country is a call to abandon the culture of intolerance, blame game, corruption, impunity and embrace progressive attitudes that bring prosperity and peace to us as a country," he added.

Support

Mr Ankrah further called on all stakeholders to support the initiative to be successful since it would hold the soul and spirit of the country together.

"This committee is putting together this initiative on pro bono basis; we are doing it from our hearts.

No tea, so we need the support of all," he said.

The chairman particularly appealed to the media to use their platforms to mobilise citizens for the event.

Background

During the 2024 general election, President John Mahama, who was the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), promised to set aside a day to be observed annually as National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day.

On April 25, this year, the President announced July 1, every year, for celebration of the event.

The initiative is meant to unite citizens of all faith and express gratitude to God for the nation’s abundant blessings.

The Planning Committee is chaired by Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, with Prophet Dr Akwasi Agyemang Prempeh as the Coordinator.

The committee’s members are drawn from the various Christian and Islamic denominations and councils.