By Edward Dankwah
Accra, June 24, GNA – Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary, New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged the committee for the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (NDPT) to ensure that the event reflected its purpose.
He said the presence of political paraphernalia or partisan remarks from moderators and speakers would undermine the spirit of the national event.
“We therefore appeal that the programme remains non-partisan, focused solely on national unity and gratitude,” he added.
The General Secretary of the NPP was speaking during a courtesy visit paid by the planning committee of the NDPT to the National Executives of the NPP to brief them of the event and formally invite them as well.
The planning committee also visited the National Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.
The NDPT is designed to bring together Christians, Muslims and other religious groups together for a common purpose, on the theme: “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity.”
The Christian segment of the programme will be held at the forecourt of the State House from 0800 hours to 1000 hours, followed by Muslim prayers at the National Mosque from 1230 hours to 1400 hours.
The event is scheduled to take place simultaneously in all 16 regions and 266 districts.
Mr. Frimpong said a national event such as this was precisely what we need as a nation, stating that, “The fact that, even after a highly competitive election, we continue to enjoy peace and harmony is a clear indication that God has special plans, a purpose, and deep love for this country.”
He said members of the NPP had already expressed their gratitude to God in their own way for guiding them through a peaceful and successful electoral process, through an internal “Thank You Tour” across the country, even though they did not win the election.
Mr. Frimpong said he was confident that the National celebration would come out successfully, stressing that ultimately, it is Ghana that wins, and not any political party.
Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Chairman of the NDC, called for a renewed focus on moral values as a critical component of Ghana’s nation-building agenda, stating that the absence of clearly defined national values left the country vulnerable to moral decay.
Drawing from historical perspectives, Mr. Nketia underscored the importance of balancing leadership, security and religion to build a stable society.
He expressed concern over the increasing monetisation of politics, where financial influence often determined leadership choices rather than merit or integrity.
“If we do not confront this culture where leadership is bought and morality is sidelined, we are heading towards serious national trouble,” he cautioned.
The Chairman of the NDC urged national leaders to reflect on establishing well-defined national values that would serve as a guiding framework for governance, youth development, and the nation’s collective future.
Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Chairman of the Committee, emphasised the spiritual significance of the event, which had been designated as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
Mr. Ankrah noted that the initiative reflected the President’s recognition of the crucial role traditional rulers played in maintaining national peace and unity, especially during politically tensed periods.
He called for a politically neutral atmosphere on the day, urging Ghanaians to wear white or national colors instead of political party paraphernalia.
GNA
Christian Akorlie