President John Mahama has announced that July 1, traditionally observed as Republic Day, will now also be celebrated as Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

Speaking during the inauguration of the planning committee for the new event, President Mahama underscored the importance of gratitude for the peace and unity the country continues to enjoy.

“One of Ghana’s greatest blessings is the harmony with which we practice our diverse faiths. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists, we worship differently but we work together as one people. This is a national treasure that we must never take for granted,” he said.

Quoting from both the Qur'an and the Bible, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s shining example of religious tolerance in a world often divided by faith. He cited Sura Al-Hujurat Chapter 49:13 and Romans 12:18 to reinforce the message of peaceful coexistence.

“This is the spirit with which we must move forward, and so with conviction, reverence and unity of purpose, I hereby declare the Republic Day 1st of July of every year also as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving,” President Mahama announced.

The planning committee for the occasion will be chaired by former Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who pledged his full commitment to ensuring that the day becomes a meaningful and unifying event for all Ghanaians.

“We assure you, Mr President, and the good people of Ghana that we will discharge our duties with diligence and dedication. We understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us,” Mr Afriyie Ankrah stated.

He explained that the event would not merely be another national celebration but a spiritual journey aimed at nurturing a culture of gratitude and unity.

“It is about nurturing a spiritual culture of gratitude, about fostering unity in diversity and about elevating our national consciousness to appreciate the hand of God in the affairs of our country,” he noted.

Mr Afriyie Ankrah further pledged that the planning process would be inclusive, ensuring that every region, faith and background is represented.

“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,” he assured.

He said with optimism that Ghana’s example could inspire the world.

“It is our hope and prayer that the work we do will not only make Ghana proud but will serve as inspiration to other nations that the people who acknowledge God, give thanks to Him and live in unity can achieve the impossible,” he said.