On Friday, 6th September 2024, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, on behalf of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, former President of the Republic of Ghana, served as the Guest of Honour at a service held to commemorate the 28th Anniversary of Maranatha Power Ministries International. The service, filled with Spiritual fervour, saw members of the congregation gather to celebrate nearly three decades of God’s faithfulness.
In delivering the speech on behalf of former President Mahama, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah conveyed a powerful message that resonated deeply with the congregation. The speech called on Christians to not only deepen their faith but to extend their Christian witness into the political arena, advocating for justice and positive change in the nation.
Drawing from Biblical teachings, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah highlighted the importance of Christians playing an active role in Governance, referencing Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” He underscored that leadership directly impacts the well-being of the people, and as Christians, it is a spiritual and civic duty to advocate for policies that align with values of righteousness, fairness, and compassion.
He emphasized the need for the church to rise to the occasion and be the salt and light in the political sphere, stating that, “Our faith is not limited to the walls of the church; it must extend into every facet of society, including politics.”
The speech did not shy away from addressing the current state of Ghana. Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah lamented the economic mismanagement, corruption, and resource misappropriation that have plagued the nation in recent years. He called on Christians to take an active stand against these issues, noting that the current leadership had failed to deliver the security and opportunities Ghanaians deserve.
“Our nation is in crisis,” he stated, as he highlighted the soaring unemployment, economic instability, and the glaring impact of corruption on the country’s resources. He described this situation as not merely economic but deeply moral, stressing that the time had come for Christians to speak out and take decisive action.
Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah also shared former President Mahama’s vision for addressing the pressing issues facing the Nation, outlining policies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) designed to bring relief to Ghanaians. He mentioned key policies such as the 24-Hour Economy, National Apprenticeship Programme, No-Academic-Fee Policy, and the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank. These initiatives, he said, were not just empty promises but practical steps to create jobs, empower youth, and build a resilient economy.
“These are concrete policies designed to transform Ghana into a competitive, export-led economy,” he remarked, while encouraging the congregation to actively participate in the upcoming elections by voting for a Government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.
One of the key highlights of the speech was a passionate discourse on the devastating effects of illegal Mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” on the environment and the economy. Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah decried the state of Ghana’s water bodies, noting that a comparison between how they appeared in 2016 and their current polluted state should serve as a wake-up call for all Ghanaians.
He stressed that the environmental degradation caused by galamsey has far-reaching implications on the health and livelihoods of Ghanaians, urging the congregation to unite in their efforts to restore the nation’s environment. “The impact of galamsey is devastating, and it affects not just the environment but the very soul of our nation,” he said.
He concluded this segment of his speech by calling on the congregation to vote out the current government, which, according to him, had failed to curb the galamsey menace, and to bring back former President Mahama, who he described as committed to saving Ghana from further environmental degradation.
At the conclusion of his address, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah asked for prayers for former President Mahama, his running mate, and all stakeholders involved in the upcoming elections. He also made a generous donation on behalf of President Mahama to support the church’s activities.
In response, the leadership of Maranatha Power Ministries offered a powerful prayer for President Mahama and the nation, asking for God’s guidance and protection over the country’s future leadership.
A Call to Action
The Service concluded with a reminder of the responsibility that all Ghanaians, especially Christians, have in ensuring that the future of the country is one of justice, fairness, and opportunity for all. As Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah noted, “Faith without action is dead,” urging all to take their faith into the political realm to secure a brighter future for Ghana.
May God bless Ghana, and may He continue to guide the leadership of the country towards righteousness and justice.