Political Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has delivered a striking critique of Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving observance on Tuesday, July 1, warning that without patriotism, accountability, and moral courage, the entire exercise risks becoming an empty ritual.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr. Asah-Asante did not mince words as he challenged both the political class and religious leaders to reflect on the true meaning of gratitude in a nation plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and misplaced priorities.

“There is nothing wrong with the national prayer,” he declared. “At some point, we must remember our Maker and give thanks, that is undeniable. But hear this: Gratitude without patriotism is hollow or empty. Thanks without dedication to work, without hard work, without discipline, without people who are truly results-driven, that kind of thanks is meaningless. And most importantly, thanks without holding our leaders accountable, without standing firm against corruption—I'm afraid that is a waste of everyone’s time.”

He acknowledged the aesthetic beauty of the event, but questioned the sincerity behind it, particularly when those offering prayers are the same individuals enabling or engaging in wrongdoing.

“Yesterday I saw the programme, beautiful programme. But see, let us be honest with ourselves, we go and pray for ourselves and all that, and the same people come and embezzle. They engage in corruption. We give cathedrals to men of God, and they leave us with a hole. What is the meaning of the prayer then?”

According to Dr. Asah-Asante, Ghana’s national challenges are not spiritual problems that can be solved by prayer alone. They are moral and institutional failures that demand truth-telling, especially from religious leaders.

“If we have leaders like this, and men of God cannot look our Heads of State in the eye and tell them, ‘You are going wrong’ when the need arises, then we have a serious problem. Too often, they merely watch and seek to glorify those in power. No more! The time for change is now. Men of God must stand firm and speak truth boldly, that is what sets them apart from you and me.”

He expressed deep frustration with what he described as a lack of seriousness and discipline at the national level, evident not only in governance but in Ghana’s overly generous public holiday calendar, which he believes stifles productivity.

“We cannot engage in national prayer when we have so many holidays, 14 holidays. Can you imagine? I’m not saying we don’t need holidays, but they are too many. Holidays such as Boxing Day, I believe, must be scrapped. Holidays like New Year’s Day, Constitutional Day must go. Nkrumah’s birthday? Once you mention Nkrumah, Independence Day already covers that. Nkrumah is in there.”

To make his point, he drew comparisons with more developed economies.

“Let us look at the United States—11 holidays. America. The UK—8 holidays. Canada—9. Germany—9. France—11. And interestingly, the Netherlands has only 2. One of those holidays is celebrated every 5 years. Switzerland—4. What are we doing to ourselves here?”

In Dr. Asah-Asante’s view, national prayer should not be a smokescreen for civic neglect or a performance to appease the public. Real gratitude, he said, is measured in one’s actions and commitment to nation-building.

“Prayer is good. But prayer without patriotism, without accountability, without integrity, without all the things I have mentioned is empty. Let us always remember to think of our country and defend it,” he counseled.