President Mahama urges sacrifice, unity at Good Friday service
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to demonstrate sacrifice and integrity in the nation’s efforts to overcome current challenges, stating that the transformation of the county depends more on the character of its citizens than on government policies.
He also called for unity, urging Ghanaians to rise above societal divisions and reaffirm their commitment to one another and collective responsibility to help move the nation forward.
Addressing a Good Friday Miracle Service at the Black Star Square in Accra, President Mahama described the event as a moment for national reflection, prayer and commitment to building a better Ghana.
He further urged citizens to demonstrate generosity and support for the less fortunate, noting that many people were struggling not only spiritually but also physically, emotionally and materially.
The President said the true meaning of Easter was expressed through acts of kindness, forgiveness and compassion towards others.
Service
The service was organised by the Bishop Dag Heward-Mills Ministries and the United Denominations, originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, which he founded.
It was attended by thousands of church members and other Christians who worshipped, prayed and reflected on the message of the cross of Jesus Christ.
The service was centred on the themes of salvation, healing and the message of the cross, highlighting the suffering of Jesus Christ.
Sacrifice
President Mahama said the gathering, which attracted thousands of people each year, had grown into a national movement for unity and spiritual reflection.
He stated that the message of Easter emphasised sacrifice before victory, and urged citizens to reflect on what they were willing to sacrifice for their communities and the nation.
President John Dramani Mahama (right) exchanging pleasantries with Bishop Dag Heward-Mills during the service
Citing biblical verses from John 15:13 and Isaiah 53:5, President Mahama said Easter reflected the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for humanity, and called on believers to demonstrate compassion and love towards one another.
Citing John 15:13, he said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
The President said the message of the cross reminded Christians that faith must reflect in their conduct and in the way they treated others.
“My brothers and sisters, if Christ laid down His life for us, how much more should we be willing to lay down our pride, resentment, division and hatred towards one another?
We must not merely pretend to be Christians,” he said.
“We must not just claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.
We must live Christ-like lives.
So, if anyone among you is holding a grudge or is in conflict with someone, this is the moment to let it go.
Leave that burden here and go back to that person and show them love, the same love that Christ has shown you.”
National responsibility
President Mahama said the lessons of Easter also applied to national life, and urged citizens to demonstrate integrity and responsibility in their actions.
He said the true test of a nation was how its people responded in times of adversity, adding that the transformation of the country depended largely on the conduct, honesty and sense of responsibility of its citizens.
The President encouraged Ghanaians not to lose hope despite the challenges facing the country.
He said just as resurrection followed the crucifixion, the nation could overcome its difficulties and move forward if citizens remained committed to national progress.
Sermon
Bishop Heward-Mills, in his sermon themed: “The Word and the Blood,” explained that Jesus Christ was manifested to destroy the works of the devil.
He stated that the works of the devil were overcame through two key means, the word of God and the blood of Jesus Christ.
The Bishop likened the devil to a serpent whose venom had affected humanity in various ways, including wars, moral decline, diseases and social problems.
He said that just as snake venom could be neutralised with antivenom, the blood of Jesus Christ had the power to neutralise the destructive works of the devil in people’s lives.
Bishop Heward-Mills said the blood of Jesus had the power to cleanse sins and restore life, urging believers to allow the power of the blood to transform their lives.
