President John Mahama has announced that Ghana will now mark July 1, traditionally known as Republic Day, as the official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
The decision, he said, is meant to deepen national unity and gratitude to God for the peace the country enjoys.
Speaking at the inauguration of the planning committee for the event, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s unique religious tolerance, saying it is a national treasure.
He described the country as a shining example of unity in diversity, where Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists coexist harmoniously.
“In a world where religion often divides, in Ghana, we shine as an example of our unity in diversity,” President Mahama stated.
He backed his remarks with verses from both the Bible and the Qur’an, citing Romans 12:18 and Sura Al-Hujurat 49:13, to show that peace and harmony are divine expectations that Ghana embodies.
The newly formed planning committee will be led by former minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah. He promised that the day would not just be another public event, but a spiritual journey for Ghanaians.
He noted that the celebration will include voices and inputs from every region, faith, and background.
“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,” Mr Afriyie Ankrah said.
He added that the day will help foster a culture of gratitude and national consciousness.