President John Dramani Mahama, during a National Thanksgiving Service (Muslim Prayers) held at the Ghana National Mosque in Accra, expressed profound gratitude to Allah and the people of Ghana, especially the Muslim communities for the peaceful and successful conduct of the December 7, 2024, general elections.
The event was attended by a diverse gathering of muslim leaders, political figures, and citizens united in thanksgiving and reflection.
“We crisscross the length and breadth of this nation in different groups campaigning for victory in this election. I led one campaign team, while Professor Naana Jane Opoku Opoku-Agyemang and our National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah led different campaigns in addition to other youth, regional and constituencies campaign groups.
“So we are thankful to God for his mercies throughout our travels across the country ahead of the December elections without any casualties. It is only he who could have granted us that mercy.”
President John Dramani Mahama
In his speech, President Mahama underscored the significance of gratitude, quoting the Quranic verse from Surah Ibrahim (14:7), which emphasizes the importance of being thankful for Allah’s blessings.
“If you are grateful, Allah will bestow more favors on you, but if you are ungrateful, His punishment is severe,” he said, affirming the need for the nation to collectively show appreciation for the successful election.
The President reserved special recognition for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, whose prayers and counsel he credited as instrumental in his electoral victory.
“When I was elected as the NDC flagbearer, I visited him and sought his prayers which he didn’t hesitate, and so if Allah has listened to our supplications and granted our hearts desire, it is only proper that we thank Allah but also thank my father, the chief imam for his prayers”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He also thanked other Muslim clerics and leaders, emphasizing their contributions to promoting peace and unity during the electoral process.
President Mahama highlighted the overwhelming support the National Democratic Congress (NDC) received from Muslim communities nationwide, attributing the victory in these areas to the unwavering solidarity and prayers of the Muslim faithful.
Elections as a Testament to Democracy and Unity
Furthermore, President Mahama described the elections as a defining moment for Ghana, showcasing the nation’s resilience and commitment to democratic values.
“The success of this year’s election is a victory not only for democracy but also for Ghana’s standing as a beacon of peace on the African continent. We’re grateful to Allah for granting us the grace to navigate the complexities of the electoral process without any significant upheavals”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Acknowledging the efforts of the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and political stakeholders, he praised their roles in ensuring a smooth electoral process.
However, President Mahama did not shy away from addressing the regrettable casualties that occurred during the elections, pledging to seek justice for affected families.
“I’ve asked my Eecutive Secretary to write to the IGP to give us a report on the status of investigations into these killings. Justice must be done and we also will ask the Attorney General when he takes office to determine fair and adequate compensation for the families of those who have lost their lives.”
President John Dramani Mahama
A Call for Unity and Responsible Leadership
The President called for unity among Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, urging supporters to desist from illegal actions such as looting and the unauthorized occupation of government offices.
He cautioned against repeating past mistakes, reiterating his promise to form a full cabinet within 14 days to address national concerns effectively.
“I call on all our supporters and other persons who are involved in illegal actions such as looting goods and occupying government offices and installations to desist from doing this. We must do things differently to maintain the trust and confidence that Ghanaians have reposed in us.
“Many people have said it is the same thing the NPP did when they came in 2017, and that’s why Ghanaians have voted them out. We must not copy the mistakes that they made. And so I plead with our supporters. Let us do things in an orderly manner”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama also stressed the importance of servant leadership, reminding leaders of their duty to serve with humility and fairness.
Quoting a Quranic verse, he said, “It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them. Had you been rough and hardhearted, they would have dispersed from around you.”
Fulfillment of Promises to the Muslim Community
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises made to the Muslim community.
Highlighting some of the key initiatives, including the reduction in Hajj Fees, President Mahama noted that a five-member Hajj task force, led by Hon. Collins Dauda, will travel to the Holy Land to negotiate lower Hajj fees, ensuring affordability for all Muslims.
He also announced his administration’s plans to amend the Holidays Act to include an extra holiday for Eid al-Fitr as part of the holidays for the Muslim fraternity in the country.
Additionally, President Mahama announced his administration’s commitment to providing scholarships for students from deprived Muslim communities to study medicine, law, and ICT. He also promised to recruit and train more Arabic teachers for Islamic schools.
Finally, President Mahama expressed his administration’s pledge to establish a microcredit scheme aimed at supporting families in deprived Muslim communities.
As the nation embarks on this new chapter, President Mahama reiterated the importance of fostering harmony and mutual respect among Ghanaians. He called for a rejection of violence, hate speech, and division, advocating instead for dialogue and understanding.
“This Thanksgiving is not just about what has been achieved but also about what lies ahead. Together, with Allah’s guidance, we can achieve greatness for our beloved nation.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The thanksgiving service ended with prayers for continued peace, unity, and prosperity for Ghana, a fitting culmination to a historic and reflective moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
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