President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Committee, a new body tasked with coordinating a national day of spiritual reflection, intercession, and gratitude.
At a solemn event held at the Jubilee House, President Mahama also proclaimed July 1—Republic Day—as Ghana’s official National Prayer Day, a sacred moment in the national calendar meant to unite citizens across religious lines in prayer and thanksgiving for the nation’s peace, stability, and shared destiny.
“We are gathered here today as a nation united by faith, hope, and a shared destiny to inaugurate a sacred initiative that reflects the soul of our nation. In an era that is marked by division, disaster, and despair, Ghana remains, by the grace of God, an oasis of peace, stability, and spiritual unity”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
In a moving address laced with scriptural references and spiritual conviction, the President declared that Ghana’s continued peace and unity were not accidental but a result of divine favour, faithful prayers, and dedicated leadership.
He attributed this resilience to communal values, committed leadership, and divine providence, emphasising that the National Prayer Day is not merely ceremonial but a spiritual anchor for national progress.
Drawing from the Bible and the Quran, President Mahama underscored the importance of seeking divine guidance in national development.
Quoting Psalm 127:1, he reminded Ghanaians that “unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” He also cited Surah Ash-Shura 42:30, stating, “Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.”
“These secret words from both books of scripture remind us that without God’s guidance, our best efforts may fall short. First July has long symbolised Ghana’s attainment of status as a proud and sovereign republic and is popularly called Republic Day.
‘Today, we give it a new meaning, designating it also as a day on which Ghanaians across faiths and generations will pause to give thanks to intercede for the nation.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Spiritual Dimension of Tackling Ghana’s Problems
President Mahama emphasised the spiritual dimension of tackling Ghana’s challenges—including youth unemployment, economic hardship, moral decay, and environmental degradation.
According to him, the country must do more than just debate and legislate, calling for a renewed commitment to prayer and seeking God’s face upon the country’s plans.
He continued with references to Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286, which speaks of the resilience of the human soul: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
In tandem, he quoted James 1:5 from the Bible, which says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach.”
The President’s speech struck a chord with the Ghanaian ethos of religious tolerance and harmony. “Christians, Muslims, traditionalists—we worship differently, but we work together as one people,” he said. “This is a national treasure that we must never take for granted.”
In a world where religion increasingly becomes a fault line, President Mahama lauded Ghana’s exceptional example. He referenced Romans 12:18, which urges, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This, he noted, is the spirit in which Ghanaians must move forward.
“In our churches, mosques or shrines, Ghanaians know how to call upon the Lord, and He has never failed us. Let’s therefore pray for our children that they maybe guided in truth and equipped for a future of promise: let’s also pray for our youth that they may find meaningful work and reject the temptation of despair; let’s pray for our men and women in uniform that they may serve with courage and compassion;
“Let’s pray for our teachers, doctors, farmers, nurses, the artisans, that the work of their hands may prosper our nation. And let us pray for our leaders that they may lead not with pride but with humility and reverence for God. And yes, let us pray for ourselves that we may choose justice over corruption; we may choose peace over conflict, and we may choose unity over a fight”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Declaring the Republic Day as National Prayer Day, President Mahama envisioned it as “a legacy—a sacred pause in our national calendar that generations to come will celebrate. A day when Ghana does not cry out in fear but rejoices in faith.”
In closing, the President officially launched the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Committee, expressing confidence in its members to promote unity, insight, and inclusiveness in their work.
“May God bless the work of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Committee. May He crown their efforts with insights, unity, and national representation”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The event marks a significant spiritual and cultural milestone for Ghana, embedding a collective moment of prayer and gratitude into the very fabric of its civic life.
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