President John Mahama has declared July 1st, traditionally celebrated as Republic Day, as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
The President made this declaration during the inauguration of the planning committee for the new national event, emphasizing the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among Ghanaians.
Speaking at the occasion, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s unique ability to foster harmony among diverse faiths, stating,
“One of Ghana’s greatest blessings is the harmony with which we practice our diverse faiths. Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, we worship differently but we work together as one people. This is a national treasure that we must never take for granted.”
He cited Sura Al-Hujurat Chapter 49:13 from the Qur’an and Romans 12:18 from the Bible to underscore the value of peaceful coexistence.
The President emphasized that Ghana stands as a shining example of religious tolerance in a divided world, saying,
“In a world where religion often divides, in Ghana, we shine as an example of our unity in diversity.” With conviction, reverence, and unity of purpose, President Mahama declared, “I hereby declare the Republic Day, 1st of July of every year, also as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.”
The planning committee for the event will be chaired by former minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who pledged full commitment to making the day meaningful and unifying for all Ghanaians.
Ankrah assured that the committee will discharge their duties with diligence and dedication, understanding the weight of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Ankrah described the event as a spiritual journey for the nation, aimed at nurturing a culture of gratitude, fostering unity in diversity, and elevating national consciousness to appreciate the hand of God in the affairs of the country.
He promised broad and inclusive engagement across the country, ensuring that every region, faith, and background is represented.
“We will consult broadly, we will engage inclusively, we will bring everybody on board from every region, every faith, every background because the national day of thanksgiving belongs to all of us,” Ankrah said. With hope, he added that Ghana’s example would serve as inspiration beyond its borders, saying, “It is our hope and prayer that the work we do will not only make Ghana proud but will serve as inspiration to other nations that the people who acknowledge God, give thanks to Him, and live in unity can achieve their impossible.”
