NDC declares three-day nationwide fasting against coronavirus

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared a three-day fasting and prayer session to seek God’s intervention following the COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana.

The three-day exercise, it said begins today and ends on Sunday, March 22, 2020 and should be done in the homes of party members, sympathisers and all well-meaning Ghanaians.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the party further urged well-meaning Ghanaians of all faiths to fervently pray for the speedy intervention of the Almighty God in this situation.

“In view of the novel COVID-19 pandemic which is rapidly spreading across the world and urgently raising the need for global leaders to take extraordinary measures to contain its drastic threats, the NDC calls on all its members and supporters, as well as well-meaning Ghanaians (Christians, Muslims and all other Faiths), to seek the face of God Almighty, our only and forever reliable hope,” it said.

Precautions

It said the NDC fully supported the need for every person in Ghana to strictly observe the precautionary measures and directives outlined by the mandated health regulatory bodies and the government in the collective effort to eliminate the debilitating disease which currently has no known cure

It said although the stringent but necessary measures being implemented not only in Ghana, but by various governments across the world grossly affected the usual ways of life, especially at gathering and fellowship in the house of God, it did not and “should not affect our relationship with our Maker in any way in seeking His divine intervention in this undesirable situation.”

The statement quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states that, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land”, stressing that God was ever ready to help.

It also referred to Deuteronomy 4:7 which states that, “For what nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him?” Those who know Him will always call on Him.

Abnormal times

The statement said it was obvious that the world was not in normal times, as the disease threatened the very existence of humanity, hence “turning to our Maker at this point is, therefore, non-negotiable.”

“The NDC hereby declares nationwide three-day fasting and prayer which is to be observed from our various homes starting today to Sunday March 22, 2020,” it stated.

It said although the NDC was aware of the consistent and fervent prayers of religious bodies and leaders for the country, it implored on the leaders of the Christian Faith in Ghana to heed to this all-important call.

“We also entreat the Office of the National Chief Imam and the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission to offer special prayers on Friday for the nation by means of their newly adopted ways of worship following the temporary suspension of public gatherings,” it stated.