“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” (Psalm 95:2).
This is what the good book— the Bible, admonishes all men of faith to do. Giving thanks is a virtue appreciated even by men, and offering gratitude to God is not merely religious; it is a fundamental act of appreciation that all men must embrace. Ingratitude anywhere is ingratitude everywhere and Ghana must never allow herself to be labelled ungrateful.
It is, therefore, commendable that the country has taken the step to institutionalise a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. The maiden edition, held yesterday in Accra, was observed under the theme: “Reflect, Reset and Renew for National Prosperity.” This initiative is more than a calendar event; it is a clarion call for national introspection and a collective sense of purpose.
Some have questioned the rationale of a secular state endorsing such an occasion. However, Ghana, though officially secular, is a deeply religious nation. With nearly 90 per cent of its population identifying with a faith tradition, it is neither inconsistent nor inappropriate for the state to reflect this shared national character.
The chosen theme calls all Ghanaians to pause and appreciate the blessings that have held the country together. Surrounded by nations facing unrest, Ghana’s relative peace, unity, and stability are not accidental.
As President Mahama rightly noted, “Ghana’s enduring peace and stability are no accident.” These are graces that must be recognised and preserved. To reflect is to take stock of where we are; to reset is to redefine our priorities.
Sixty-eight years into independence, Ghana must move beyond nostalgia and face its challenges head-on. Corruption, moral decline, environmental neglect, and political division threaten our progress and demand urgent, united action.
The prayer and thanksgiving services held across the nation—from the State House and National Mosque to all 16 regions and 261 districts, offer a valuable starting point for renewal. They are not merely symbolic, but an opportunity to recommit ourselves to national values and shared aspirations.
We on The Ghanaian Times are inspired by the appeals to rise above partisanship and embrace unity. Such calls are not abstract ideals, but represent a real opportunity to reset our national discourse, moving from political rivalry to shared identity.
To renew is to reinvest in what binds us: spiritual strength, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership. The day’s theme is not just lyrical; it outlines a practical vision for national rejuvenation. As the Ga Mantse noted, Ghana’s spiritual tapestry includes traditional rites that have sustained us for generations. Real renewal is holistic—it embraces Christian, Muslim, and ancestral faiths alike.
Significantly, both former Presidents Kufuor and Akufo‑Addo voiced support for the event, highlighting its unifying and non-partisan nature. Peter Cardinal Kwadwo Appiah Turkson captured it best, urging Ghanaians to support President Mahama, noting that national transformation is a shared duty.
Indeed, it will take all of us to push the national wheel forward—together, in faith and in action.