By Edward Dankwah
Accra, June 16, GNA – Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairperson of the Church of Pentecost (COP), has urged Ghanaians to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, and accountability, given that Ghana was a deeply religious nation.
He said it was important to focus not only on physical development but also on the values held as a people, and that without a transformation in our values, meaningful and sustainable development would be difficult to achieve.
The Chairperson of COP was speaking during a courtesy visit paid by the planning committee of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (NDPT) to introduce themselves to him, brief him of the event’s activities, formally invite him, and seek his directions.
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.
Apostle Nyamekye said it was a noble and meaningful act to give thanks to the Lord, and that when a nation comes together in gratitude to God, it brings collective benefit.
He said following the just ended election, the tensions all over were witnessed, yet, by the grace of God, it all subsided peacefully, almost as if nothing had happened, hence the need to be thankful not only for what God has done, but also for what He will continue to do.
Apostle Nyamekye said more things were gained by appreciating God than by constantly complaining or asking, so while we thank Him for the peace Ghana enjoyed, there was also the need to pray for the nation’s prosperity, as peace alone was not enough.
He said as a religious community, we must reflect and counsel ourselves as Ghanaians, recognising the need to align our faith with our actions especially as some who worshipped passionately were sometimes the same individuals who participated in acts of corruption.
“This contradiction highlights a need for genuine change, not just in our actions, but in our hearts and values as well”
“If we are truly committed to national progress, then that change must begin with each and every one of us,” he stressed.
He promised to mobilise members of the COP so that, together, the goodness of the Lord as a nation would be celebrated.
Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Chairperson for 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 Chairperson 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.
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
Kenneth Odeng Adade