President John Dramani Mahama has publicly called upon Ghanaians to hold him and all those in positions of authority to the "highest standards of integrity and humility".

He made this charge today, July 1, during the maiden edition of Ghana's newly instituted National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, an initiative aimed at fostering national unity and spiritual renewal.

Speaking at the inaugural event, President Mahama emphasised that true thanksgiving extends beyond mere words and must be reflected in the daily conduct of citizens and leaders alike.

Quoting James 2 verse 17, he asserted, "faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead."

"As we pray and give thanks, let us also renew our commitment to living out our faith through truth, love, and service to our nation," President Mahama urged. He called for healing words, honest dealings, generous compassion, and upright conduct from all Ghanaians.

President Mahama then directly addressed the conduct of public officeholders, declaring, "We must hold those in authority, including myself, accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility."

He unequivocally stated that "public office is not a privilege for personal gain. It is a sacred trust bestowed by the people and the responsibility to serve all, especially the most vulnerable of us."

In a strong affirmation of the rule of law, President Mahama stressed, "Even the Office of the President, which, by the grace of God, I now hold, is not above the law. Leadership must be grounded in justice, in honesty, and in the reverence of God." He further added, "If we want a just Ghana, we must be just in leadership."

President Mahama's message underscored that a nation's greatness is not determined by wealth or power but by the virtues of its people.

"The virtues of courage, of honesty, of discipline, of sacrifice, and of compassion are what we measure the greatness of any nation by. It is in these five strengths that the true power of our country, Ghana, resides. It is through these virtues that we will rise and prosper," he articulated.

President Mahama expressed gratitude to the religious community, acknowledging churches from various denominations and all believers across the land for being "moral anchors in the storms of life".

He also commended the Chairman and members of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving for their "tireless work and spiritual vision" in planting "a seed of national renewal that will be generations to come."

The institution of July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving fulfils a campaign promise by President Mahama and coincides with Ghana's Republic Day.

The observance aims to unite Ghanaians across faiths and political affiliations in collective reflection and gratitude, reinforcing the nation's moral and spiritual foundation.