By Edward Dankwah
Accra, June 24, GNA – Reverend Dr. Steve Mensah, General Overseer, Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM), says the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (NDPT) must be a sustained and ongoing practice, not a fleeting, short-lived event.
He said in an increasingly volatile sub-region marked by political instability, economic fragility, and security threats, Ghana had continually remained a pillar of stability, peace, and democratic resilience.
The General Overseer called for legislative backing that would institutionalise prayer and thanksgiving in the country as a regular feature in national life.
Rev. Dr. Mensah was speaking during a courtesy visit paid by the planning committee of the NDPT to introduce themselves to him, brief him of the event’s activities, formally invite him, and seek his blessings.
The committee also visited Most Reverend Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Archbishop of Anglican Church of Ghana within the Province of West Africa.
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.
He said Ghana was truly grateful for the opportunity extended to both the Christian and Islamic communities to express gratitude to God in their own ways.
He said the nation acknowledged God’s hand in the peaceful transition of power, especially given the tension that preceded the recent elections, where faith-based communities across the country prayed fervently for peace.
“We are thankful that the elections were conducted smoothly, with no major unrest. Six months into the new administration, we continue to enjoy relative calm and stability, and we remain hopeful as the nation progresses steadily,” he added.
Rev. Dr. Mensah said as a church, they fully embraced the initiative and stood in full support of the President and his vision, affirming their commitment to be present in solidarity.
“I am deeply grateful to the President for his unwavering faith in God. Since taking office, he has consistently acknowledged and honoured God in his leadership, seeking God’s direction as he steers the nation through the years ahead, and we fully support him,” he stressed.
Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Chairman of the Committee, said Ghana had emerged as a beacon of peace in the turbulent sub-region, and that despite recurring tensions during elections, particularly in the 4th Republic, the nation consistently emerged stronger, earning a reputation for democratic stability across West Africa.
The Chairman said these were blessings that should not be taken for granted, especially as the President himself acknowledged that his election victory was by the grace of God, and that only by that same grace could he fulfill his vision for the nation.
He said, therefore, July 1, which the President considered the true birthday of the nation, marked not only independence from Britain in 1957 but also transformation into a republic on July 1, 1960, fully shedding British influence.
He said the President envisioned this day as a day of prayer, meditation, and reflection, encouraging all, regardless of religious affiliation, to dedicate the day to meditation and reflection.
Mr. Ankrah said the unity Ghana enjoyed as a nation was an intangible asset, where prosperity and development were not measured by numbers alone, but also by the collective mindset of the people.
The Chairman of the Committee advised the public to refrain from wearing party colors on the day of the event, instead, attendees were encouraged to wear national colors, celebratory attire, or any other appropriate clothing that reflected unity and national pride.
GNA
Christian Akorlie