In a momentous display of national unity, reverence, and gratitude, President John Dramani Mahama has led Ghana’s first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, hailing it as both a sacred and historic event.
Against the solemn backdrop of the forecourt of the State House, thousands gathered—from all regions and walks of life—to lift their voices in worship, thanksgiving, and supplication to the Almighty God.
The gathering was graced by the presence of His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kojo Appiah Turkson, who delivered a stirring sermon, and was attended by a wide array of Ghana’s church, traditional, and national leadership.
Addressing the nation with heartfelt sincerity and spiritual clarity, President Mahama stood before the gathered assembly not as a mere statesman, but as a grateful servant of the people and of God.
“As the Psalmist says in Psalm 118 (24): This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. But we are not here merely to rejoice. We’re here to reflect. We’re here to return thanks, and above all, we are here to reaffirm our trust in the one who has brought us this far, the Almighty God”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama underscored the significance of the event, asserting that Ghana offers thanksgiving because it recognizes a profound truth—that God has preserved the nation.
For him, every peaceful sunrise, every child who is safely born, every harvest, every healing, every quiet moment of joy, and every act of kindness in the country are the manifestations of God’s mercy and grace.
Citing James 1:17, President Mahama reminded the nation that every perfect gift is from above. In this spirit, he offered a simple prayer on behalf of the nation.
“Thank you, Lord. Thank you for what you have done, protecting Ghana in times of crisis. Thank you for what you continue to do, rekindling our hope, restoring our strength. And thank you for what you will do, leading us into a future of peace, justice, and abundance.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The President noted the rising instability, conflict, and despair witnessed across the African continent and the wider world, contrasting it with Ghana’s enduring peace.
According to him, while other sister countries struggle with varying challenges, Ghana remain an oasis of peace despite its unique challenges, adding that such peace must not be taken for granted.
Drawing on Psalm 124: “if the Lord had not been on our side, And so let’s our nation Ghana say, if the Lord had not been on our side”, President Mahama noted that “this peace we enjoy is not simply the product of sound policy or political will. It is the result of prayer.”
He paid special tribute to the nation’s pastors, ministers, intercessors, and worshippers—those “both known and unknown” who labor in prayer for Ghana’s soul. “Your labour has not been in vain,” he assured them, to thunderous applause.
Religious Tolerance
President Mahama’s address struck a unifying chord when he celebrated Ghana’s spiritual harmony and religious tolerance, describing it as “something even more precious” than its abundance natural resources.
“In a world where faith can divide nations, our faith in Ghana unites us. In Ghana, churches and mosques do not compete for dominance; they coexist in mutual respect and in dignity.
“Our different traditions and our backgrounds have not weakened us. They have strengthened us in our shared identity. This is a precious gift we must protect.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
In this vein, he issued a firm warning against tribalism, extremism, and political hostility, cautioning that such forces could sow division in Ghana’s peaceful fabric. “We must build bridges, not barriers, for we are one people sharing one land and pursuing one identity and destiny,” the President charged.
Faith to Action
True thanksgiving, the President reminded the nation, is not limited to words but must be lived through daily action. Quoting James 2:17, he said, “Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”
With this in mind, he called on citizens to live lives of honesty, compassion, and service—to speak words that heal, not harm, and to remain upright in conduct.
Turning the spotlight inward, President Mahama emphasized the importance of accountability and humility in public office.
“We must hold those in authority—including myself—accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility. Public office is not a privilege for personal gain. It is a sacred trust bestowed by the people.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He stressed that no one, not even the President, is above the law, insisting that leadership must be grounded in justice, honesty, and a reverence for God.
For him, if the country want a just Ghana, it must be just in leadership, adding that the true measure of a nation’s greatness is not in skyscrapers or the size of its budget—but in the virtues of its people: courage, honesty, discipline, sacrifice, and compassion.
Message of Apprecition
Expressing heartfelt appreciation, President Mahama extended gratitude to Ghana’s Christian community, acknowledging the diverse denominations that continue to uphold moral values amid national storms.
“I extend my most profound appreciation to the church from the Assemblies of God, to the Catholic Bishops Conference, to the Christian Council of Ghana, to the Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, and every fellowship denomination of Christendom. And indeed to all believers across this land. Thank you for being our moral anchors in the storms of life”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He also praised the Chairman and members of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Committee, lauding their “tireless work and spiritual vision.” Their efforts, he said, had planted a seed of renewal that would blossom for generations.
President Mahama referenced the biblical account from Luke, where Jesus healed ten lepers but only one returned to give thanks.
“It was that one who received not just healing, but received wholeness. Gratitude is powerful. It completes the miracle and opens the door to more. And so today, Almighty God, we are like that one leper, who has come back to say thank you, Lord.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
In a stirring conclusion, the President reflected on the divine blessings bestowed upon Ghana—peace, democracy, creativity, and resilience—and expressed confidence in a hopeful future.
“Our best days are not behind us. Our best days lie ahead of us. Thanks to your prayer and faith, July 1 will no longer be remembered only as our Republic Day. It will now be enshrined as our National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He ended with a powerful recitation of 2 Chronicles 7:14, underscoring the promise of national healing through prayer and repentance.
“Today Ghana has humbled herself. Today Ghana has gathered together in prayer. Today Ghana is seeking your face. Today Ghana is turning from all wicked ways. Today, we have prayed, and I believe that God, you will heal our land. Indeed, he has already begun to heal our land.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
As his final words hung in the sacred air, President Mahama invoked blessings over all Ghanaians: “May the Lord bless you. May he bless your families. May he bless your churches. May he bless your communities. May he bless our beloved country Ghana. And may he make our nation ever great and ever strong. Amen.”
The historic National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving marked a significant spiritual milestone in Ghana’s national life. With the unity of faith and the humility of leadership at the heart of the event, July 1 now takes on renewed meaning—not only as a celebration of Ghana’s republican status but as a solemn reaffirmation of the nation’s covenant with God.
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