President John Dramani Mahama, in his first major engagement with the clergy following his State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the divine hand in his victory and the immense responsibility that comes with leadership.

Addressing an assembly of Christian leaders, he attributed his electoral success to God, acknowledging that his triumph was not merely political but a fulfillment of divine will.

“Some have even gone to the extent of calling me a supreme leader because of the numbers God gave me in parliament. But I am deeply mindful that there is only one supreme leader. And that is the almighty God. And to him alone belongs all the glory, honor, and dominion forever.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama

He emphasized that this victory was for all Ghanaians and those who believed in his vision to rebuild Ghana. He referenced Proverbs 21:31, stating that although preparations were made for battle, the ultimate victory belonged to the Lord.

He described leadership as a divine calling and assured the clergy of his commitment to fulfilling the expectations placed upon him.

“Beyond celebration, this victory carries a very solemn responsibility—the responsibility to lead with integrity, to govern with wisdom, and to serve with humility. I do not take this responsibility lightly.”
“One of my first major decisions was to lead by example in the area of governance—to keep my word. I pledged to appoint no more than 60 ministers and ensure an efficient and effective government. And I’ve kept that promise.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama

Plans for a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving

Recognizing the role of faith in national governance, President Mahama announced plans to institutionalize a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. He stated that the Minister of Local Government and Religious Affairs would be tasked with initiating consultations with the clergy to establish a formal planning committee.

He called on Christian leaders to continue playing their role as the moral compass of the nation, guiding both the government and the people in righteousness.

“As a Christian, I uphold the principle and the values that only two genders exist—man and woman—and that a marriage is between a man and a woman. I have spoken with the Speaker so that a renewal of the expired Proper Family Values Bill should be a bill that is introduced by government rather than as a private member’s motion.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama

His statement was met with applause from the clergy, who have been vocal about the need to protect Ghanaian cultural and religious values.

A Candid Assessment of the Economy

Reflecting on his first State of the Nation Address, President Mahama explained that it was important to be honest with Ghanaians about the economic realities he had inherited. While acknowledging the enormity of the challenges, he assured the clergy that his government had a clear strategy to restore economic stability.

He outlined key priorities such as stabilizing the currency, reducing inflation, cutting down government expenditure, and restoring investor confidence. His administration, he assured, was already implementing strategic measures to achieve these goals.

Mhama 2 — H.E President John Dramani Mahama Seated with the Clergy

President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to his flagship initiative, which is the 24-hour economy. He said;

“Our 24-hour economy policy is not just a slogan. It is a bold and transformative initiative that we believe will open up employment opportunities across multiple sectors—particularly in business development, agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, and digital technology. A nation that cannot feed itself cannot prosper. That is why we are making aggressive interventions, especially in the agricultural sector.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama

Concluding his address, President Mahama humbly requested the continued prayers and moral support of the clergy. He emphasized that despite human effort, it is ultimately God who ordains victory, quoting Ecclesiastes 9:11 as a reminder of divine sovereignty.

“The race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama

He lauded the church’s role in shaping the moral fabric of society and urged Christian leaders to continue being voices of righteousness, unity, and progress.

“May the Lord bless you all abundantly. I thank you for taking your time to come and join us. Indeed, when I entered the arena and I saw how full it was, I said—to God be the glory.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama