President John Dramani Mahama has proposed the institution of a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on July 1, coinciding with Ghana’s Republic Day and Senior Citizens Day.
Speaking during his “Thank You Tour” at a grand durbar of Chiefs and people of the Western Region in Sekondi, President Mahama announced that the government would soon present amendments to the Public Holidays Act before Parliament.
This would restore July 1 as a national holiday while also making provisions for an additional holiday to mark the Muslim Festival of Eid al-Fitr.
A day of reflection and gratitude
President Mahama stated that a Planning Committee, consisting of religious leaders, would soon be established to oversee the arrangements for the proposed National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
The move, he explained, aligns with the government’s vision of fostering national unity, spiritual reflection, and gratitude for Ghana’s continued progress.
The nationwide tour, which began on January 24 in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital, is part of the President’s efforts to express appreciation to Ghanaians for their support in the 2024 elections.
Commitment to national development
Expressing gratitude to God for the protection and preservation of Ghanaian lives, President Mahama reiterated his administration’s dedication to the country’s renewal and development.
“It is a great joy for me to stand here before you in the heart of the Western Region, a land of immense promise, rich history, and extraordinary potential. I am here with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to say a sincere thank you for the overwhelming support you showed me during the last election,” he said.
Strengthening the role of traditional leaders
Touching on governance, President Mahama underscored the importance of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana’s development. He described chiefs as custodians of peace, culture, and community growth, urging them to actively participate in the ongoing constitutional review process.
“Our chiefs have been custodians of peace, our culture, and development, and in the most challenging times, you have stood firm in safeguarding the integrity of our society. That is why I am calling you once again to be active participants in the constitutional review process which we have started,” the President said.
He emphasized the need to grant traditional authorities a more defined and meaningful role in governance, ensuring that they are not merely symbolic figures but key partners in national decision-making.
Support for anti-corruption initiatives
Nana Kobina Nketiah V, the Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area and Acting President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, commended President Mahama’s initiative to establish Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL).
He described it as a laudable step towards promoting accountability and transparency in governance.
“The idea of ORAL is so laudable in Africa. ORAL should be a guiding spirit in our public service existence. Our current Constitution speaks loudly of probity, accountability, and transparency. And that is why we are pleased with ORAL. Any critique of such a body is only to enhance it and make it worthy of the acronym,” Nana Nketiah stated.
He also appealed to President Mahama to ensure that the Western Region receives its fair share of national development projects while cautioning him to be mindful of praise singers.
As the nation awaits Parliament’s deliberation on the proposed amendments to the Public Holidays Act, the introduction of a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is expected to foster unity and national reflection among Ghanaians
