Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced his intention to introduce an annual national day of prayer and thanksgiving if he is elected back into office. This initiative, aimed at uniting all faiths across Ghana, seeks to express gratitude for the nation’s blessings and seek divine guidance for the country’s future.
Mahama’s Vision for National Unity Through Faith
Speaking at an engagement with religious leaders in Ho, Volta Region, Mahama emphasized the significance of thanksgiving in all circumstances, referencing biblical teachings and drawing on international examples. He shared his experiences of attending national thanksgiving and prayer events in countries like the United States and Zambia, which inspired his vision for Ghana.
“Even though God expects us to work hard to improve our circumstances, we must also recognize the need to intercede spiritually for divine intervention,” Mahama stated. He further explained that this day would be an opportunity for Ghanaians of all faiths to come together, give thanks, and pray for the prosperity of the nation.
Mahama stressed that the proposed day of prayer and thanksgiving would not be limited to any particular religious group. “We will hold a national day of prayers for both the Christian and Muslim communities, so that together, we can continue to intercede for Ghana’s success and prosperity,” he added. This initiative reflects Mahama’s broader vision of fostering unity and collective spiritual support for the nation’s progress.
Call for Integrity and Discernment in Leadership
In addition to announcing his plans for a national day of prayer, Mahama urged voters to prioritize integrity and discernment when choosing leaders. He highlighted the far-reaching impact of leadership decisions on the lives of citizens, emphasizing the importance of electing trustworthy leaders.
“Leadership is about making choices that shape lives, and it’s essential to exercise discernment in decision-making, as the consequences of those choices affect countless individuals,” Mahama noted. He cautioned against electing leaders who may appear virtuous but lack genuine integrity, saying, “Some come like sheep but are wolves, so we have to be careful.”
Mahama also criticized the current government’s handling of the banking sector crisis, describing it as a poor decision that has led to unnecessary hardship. He argued that the collapse of several banks under the current administration could have been avoided with better management. “If I were president, I wouldn’t have collapsed those banks, throwing thousands into hardship,” he said, pointing out that the government’s approach to raising capital requirements for banks was flawed.
Religious Leaders Express Support and Call for Peace
Religious leaders present at the event welcomed Mahama’s proposal with enthusiasm, praising his peaceful approach to campaigning. Rev. Seth Kwasi Mawutor, leader of the Christian community in Ho, expressed his admiration for Mahama’s conduct. “I have monitored your campaign, and we are excited about the peaceful manner in which you are conducting it. The church prays that it will continue to be peaceful during and after the election,” Rev. Mawutor said.
The religious leaders also prayed for a peaceful election and presented Mahama with a Bible, encouraging him to trust in divine guidance. Similarly, the Muslim community expressed their support for Mahama and the NDC, emphasizing their desire for justice and peace in the upcoming elections. They prayed for Mahama’s protection and called on the Electoral Commission to ensure a fair and transparent election process.
Mahama’s pledge to introduce a national day of prayer and thanksgiving, coupled with his call for integrity in leadership, reflects his commitment to uniting the nation through faith and sound governance. As the election approaches, his proposals are likely to resonate with voters seeking both spiritual and political leadership.
Source: Graphic Online
