President recommits to ethical leadership - Calls for unity at first-year thanksgiving service
President John Dramani Mahama has recommitted to principles of ethical leadership and national stewardship in a solemn non-denominational thanksgiving ceremony marking his administration's first anniversary.
He stated that the foundations his administration had laid for national progress, though not yet fully visible, were designed for sustainability.
The first anniversary Thanksgiving Service for President Mahama, held at the Presidency yesterday, blended state protocol with religious observance, featuring prayers for the nation and its leaders.
The event also coincides with the Constitution Day, observed on January 7, to commemorate the return to democratic governance with the coming into force of the 1992 Constitution which ushered in the country’s fourth republican democratic rule on January 7, 1993.
The President, acting through the Minister for the Interior, has declared tomorrow as a Public Holiday to commemorate the day.
State, faith
The event followed a formal programme, commencing with musical curtain raisers and the sequential arrival of high-state officials.
President John Mahama exchanging pleasantries with Ministers of State at the Jubilee House
The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, arrived first, followed by Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and finally President Mahama, accompanied by the First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama.
Also present at the event was the Chief of Staff, senior government officials, including Cabinet Ministers and their deputies, appointees of the President, Members of Parliament from the Majority Caucus and members of the public.
The service, led by Master of Ceremonies Rev. Michael Ofei Ayesu, who is the Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Greater Accra West, included the singing of the National Anthem, hymns such as "How Great Thou Art," scripture reading from Deuteronomy 9:1-3 and musical performances by the Cedar Praise Choir.
The non-denominational service also had in attendance leaders of the Islamic faith.
The First Deputy National Imam, Ahlussunna Wal Jama’a (ASWAJ) Ghana, Sheikh Mohammed Kamil Mohammed, offered prayers and words of wisdom to the President.
A central moment was the exhortation and prayer for the President and government offered by the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam.
Foundational reforms
In his remarks, President Mahama reflected on the year's work, stating that his government had prioritised "economic stabilisation, institutional reforms, social protection and the restoration of confidence both within our country and in the international community."
He acknowledged the ongoing nature of the task, and noted that, "the work we have begun is far from finished."
The President proposed a broader measure of progress, one assessed "not only by numbers and by charts and diagrams," but also "by hope that is restored, by trust that is rebuilt and correct direction that is regained."
His address culminated in a five-fold public recommitment: to ethical leadership and service above self; to governance anchored in "integrity, competence and compassion"; to listening to the vulnerable, youth and the excluded; and to national unity.
The President firmly stated that “leadership is stewardship,” describing political authority as "a temporary, fleeting trust held on behalf of the people.”
Year ahead
Looking forward, President Mahama told the gathering that the coming year "will demand even more from us," testing the nation's "resolve, our patience and our discipline."
He described it as a period of opportunity to "deepen the reforms we have started" and to "accelerate our growth and ensure that development and progress touche every part of our country."
President Mahama concluded with a call to action for continued humility, empathetic leadership and courageous governance.
