July 1 officially marked as National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Ghana.

President John Mahama has declared that July 1, traditionally observed as Republic Day, will now be commemorated as Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

During the inaugural speech of the planning committee for the new event, President Mahama highlighted the significance of gratitude for the peace and unity the country still benefit from.

President Mahama said that “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.”

Quoting from both the Qur’an and the Bible, President Mahama pointed out Ghana’s shining example of religious coexistence in a world often divided by faith. He quoted Sura Al-Hujurat Chapter 49:13 and Romans 12:18 to promote harmony among people.

President Mahama declared that “This is the spirit with which we must move forward, and so with conviction, reverence and unity of purpose, 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 occasion will be facilitated by former Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who promised his full dedication to ensuring that the day takes on a deeper meaning and unifying event for all Ghanaians.

Mr Afriyie Ankrah stated that “We assure you, Mr President, and the good people of Ghana that we will discharge our duties with diligence and dedication. We understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us.”

He added that the occasion would be more than just a national holiday but a spiritual journey aimed at fostering a spirit of appreciation and togetherness.

Mr Afriyie Ankrah noted that “It is about nurturing a spiritual culture of gratitude, about fostering unity in diversity and about elevating our national consciousness to appreciate the hand of God in the affairs of our country.”

Mr Afriyie Ankrah further promised that the planning would be participatory, making sure each region, faith and background is represented.

He assured that “We will consult broadly, we will engage inclusively, we will bring everybody on board because the National Day of Thanksgiving belongs to all of us.” He stated with enthusiasm hat Ghana’s example could make a global impact.

He said that “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 the impossible.”

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