President John Mahama has announced that Ghana will now observe July 1st, traditionally celebrated as Republic Day, as the country’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

The President made the declaration during the inauguration of the planning committee for the new national event. He said the peace and unity Ghana continues to enjoy should not be taken for granted.

Speaking at the event, President Mahama stated, “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.”

Quoting both the Qur'an and the Bible, he explained that Ghana stands as a shining example of religious tolerance in a divided world. “In a world where religion often divides, in Ghana, we shine as an example of our unity in diversity,” he said.

President Mahama cited Sura Al-Hujurat Chapter 49:13 from the Qur’an and Romans 12:18 from the Bible to emphasise the value 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,” he declared.

The planning committee for the event will be chaired by former minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, who pledged full commitment to making the day meaningful and unifying for all Ghanaians.

In his remarks, Mr Afriyie Ankrah said, “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.”

He added that the event will not just be another national occasion, but a spiritual journey for the nation.

“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 said.

The committee chairman also promised to ensure broad and inclusive engagement across the country. “We will consult broadly, we will engage inclusively, we will bring everybody on board from every region, every faith, every background because the national day of thanksgiving belongs to all of us,” he assured.

With hope, Mr Afriyie said that Ghana’s example would serve as inspiration beyond its borders.

“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 their impossible,” he said.