Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for politicising the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, declared by President John Dramani Mahama on July 1st.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Gbande said while President Mahama and many Ghanaians are using the occasion for spiritual reflection and national unity, the NPP remains preoccupied with political calculations.

“Even in this conversation, when all of us continue to renew our minds in Christ, my other colleague from the NPP—it's politics as usual. For them, it is about votes and numbers. It is never about wisdom, it is never about the fear of God, and it is never about the people,” he remarked.

Mr Gbande argued that the nation had every reason to be grateful and reflective, citing progress on multiple fronts.

“Are we not thankful that we have come out of a very peaceful election when other countries have not? Are we not thankful that seven months ago, a cedi to a dollar was 17; today it is 10?” he asked.

He also praised Ghana’s relative peace in a region plagued by instability.

“Even when we have terrorism and other attacks within the sub-regions, Ghana continues to be a beacon of democracy in West Africa,” he added.

The NDC executive highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to fight corruption and build national consciousness, crediting President Mahama’s leadership with instilling a sense of spiritual and moral grounding in national governance.

“No president can leave a better legacy than a president who unites the nation around the legacy of God,” he stated.

Mr Gbande’s comments followed a gathering led by President Mahama at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, where Christian leaders, government officials, and citizens observed the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

In his address, President Mahama expressed gratitude for Ghana’s peace, stability, and development, while calling on the nation to continue seeking divine guidance and fostering unity.

According to the Presidency, the day is intended as a moment for national reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and a recommitment to faith and progress.