The Africa Development Council (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the exclusion of Ghana’s traditional faiths from the maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving set for July 1.

Highlighting the importance of unity, the council stressed that true national cohesion can only be achieved by embracing and respecting the full range of Ghana’s spiritual traditions.

In a statement released today, the ADC highlighted the country’s diverse religious landscape, emphasising that Ghana is not solely made up of Christians and Muslims.

“Ghana does not consist of only Christian and Muslim faiths. Even though statistics might have shown that the majority of Ghana’s population is of Christian faith, in reality, traditional faith permeates both Christian and Muslim communities across the country,” the council stated.

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The ADC further underscored the vital role played by indigenous institutions in nation-building.

“The role of the national council of chiefs, the Traditional Healers Association, and others is of crucial importance in nation building,” the statement added.

The council emphasised that these traditional authorities have long served as pillars of Ghana’s unity and progress.

In light of this, the ADC has called on media houses and event organisers to adopt a more inclusive approach by ensuring that traditional authorities are included in the upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving events.

The council urged, “include traditional authorities in tomorrow’s event.”

Additionally, the ADC encouraged traditional councils to increase their visibility and actively participate in national development efforts, appealing to them to “try and be visible and to be part and parcel of national development efforts.”

Most significantly, the ADC made a direct appeal to the President, urging that “as a matter of necessity”, he should mandate the inclusion of traditional prayers in the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

As Ghana prepares to observe this historic day, the ADC’s call serves as a timely and compelling reminder that true national unity and sustainable progress can only be realised when all faiths and traditions are respected and embraced.