President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to put the country's interests above partisan, ethnic and religious loyalties, saying the nation's economic recovery will only be sustained if citizens uphold integrity, discipline and national unity.
He said although the country had made progress through disciplined economic management, prudent fiscal reforms, responsible leadership and the sacrifices of Ghanaians, much more needed to be done to consolidate the gains.
"Our economic recovery has been built upon discipline. It must now be sustained by integrity. It must be protected by justice. And it must be strengthened by our national unity," President Mahama said.
The President made the remarks at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Addressing political, religious, traditional and security leaders, he urged Ghanaians to place the national interest above political, ethnic and religious affiliations.
"Before we belong to political parties, we belong to Ghana. Before we identify with tribe or region or religion, we are citizens of one Republic," he said.
President Mahama said despite the country's economic recovery, many young people were still searching for employment, while many businesses continued to face challenges in accessing affordable credit to expand.
He said protecting the gains made would require responsible conduct by all citizens.
The President also appealed to young people to reject shortcuts to success, avoid drug abuse and live lives of integrity.
He encouraged them to believe in themselves, saying they were already contributing to the country's development.
President Mahama also reminded public servants that public confidence depended on their conduct. "The confidence of our people depends upon your conduct," he said.
On national development, the President said prayer alone would not transform the economy unless it was matched with responsible action.
Drawing from the biblical accounts of Nehemiah and Joseph, he said faith and hard work must go together.
"Prayer without responsibility cannot transform an economy. Hope without discipline cannot create prosperity," he said.
President Mahama also referred to the recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed property in parts of the country.
While acknowledging the tragedy, he urged Ghanaians to remain thankful, quoting scripture which calls on believers to give thanks to God in all circumstances.
The President renewed his appeal for citizens to reject bitterness, intolerance, corruption and division, and instead embrace dialogue, service, unity and hope.
He said Ghana's future would be shaped by the actions of its people in their homes, schools, workplaces, markets and farms, and not by government alone.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving was held on the theme, "Resetting Our Values to Build the Ghana We Want."
The event featured a sermon by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost.
Among those present were Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, First Lady Lordina Mahama, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, members of the Judiciary and Parliament, representatives of the security services, and members of the diplomatic corps.
