Today, Ghana marked its first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, which will be observed annually on July 1 under the theme: “Reset, Reflect, and Renew for National Prosperity.”
The event brought together thousands of Ghanaians for a moment of national reflection and gratitude. It was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, religious leaders, traditional authorities, government officials, and citizens across the country.
A Christian service was held at the forecourt of Jubilee House, led by Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, while a Muslim prayer session took place at the National Mosque in Kanda, led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu. Simultaneous services were held nationwide.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is intended to promote peace, gratitude, spiritual renewal, and a sense of national purpose. It is designed to serve as an annual occasion for Ghanaians to unite in giving thanks to God, reflecting on the country’s progress, and seeking divine guidance for the future.
In his address, President Mahama emphasised humility, unity, and the power of healing words.
“We are here to give glory, not take credit,” he said, stressing that the day was about gratitude to God, not political recognition. “Religious tolerance is a precious gift we must protect.”
“Let us speak words that heal, not words that harm,” the president continued, urging both leaders and citizens to choose language that unifies, especially in public discourse.
He then made the official declaration: “With conviction, reverence, and unity of purpose, I hereby declare the Republic Day, July 1 of every year, also as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.”
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo endorsed the Thanksgiving Day and praised its intent. Though not physically present at the event, he had earlier expressed his support publicly.
“All of us have to support this initiative. It is clearly a worthwhile initiative … We now have this one day where all of us come together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon us,” he said.
He concluded by reflecting on Ghana’s peaceful democratic journey: “Our country is the only one in West Africa, and one of the few on the continent, that has never had a civil war. We’ve never fought each other over politics or power. That is a blessing for us.”
Ghana’s first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving sets a powerful precedent anchored in humility, unity, and spiritual reflection. With support from both the sitting president and a former head of state, July 1 is now poised to become an enduring part of Ghana’s national identity.
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Story by Francisca Anim| univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
