President John Dramani Mahama has called for unity among all Ghanaians.
He emphasised the need to foster togetherness and mutual respect as the nation seeks healing and transformation.
Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on Tuesday, July 1, he said, “Let us remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, the voices of religious extremism and against the poison of political division. These are the seeds of division that we must never let take root in our precious nation, Ghana.”
He added, “We must speak a language of peace, compassion, and mutual respect. We must build bridges, not barriers, for we are one people sharing one land and pursuing one identity and destiny.”
President Mahama also took the opportunity to reflect on leadership and accountability, stressing that public office is a sacred responsibility and not a privilege for personal enrichment.
Read also: Archbishop Duncan-Williams urges Mahama to prioritize “reset agenda” for a prosperous Ghana
“We must hold those in authority, including myself, accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility. Public office is not a privilege for personal gain; it is a sacred trust bestowed by the people and a responsibility to serve all, especially the most vulnerable,” he said.
He reaffirmed his belief in equality before the law, stating, “Even the office of the President, which by the grace of God I now hold, is not above the law.”
For his part, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the Presiding Archbishop and General Overseer of Action Chapel International (ACI), made a fervent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to prioritise his “reset agenda” and lead Ghana towards renewed progress and transformation.
He envisioned a nation where Ghanaians would only travel internationally for leisure and holidays, rather than in search of “greener pastures.”
The Archbishop called upon Ghanaians to embrace their homeland, pursue their education locally, and ultimately thrive within the country’s borders. He underscored the importance of cultivating a nation replete with opportunities for all, ensuring success can be achieved without the necessity of seeking a better life beyond Ghana’s frontiers.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams charged President Mahama to “continue doing his utmost to make Ghana a better and more prosperous place for its people.”
He encouraged the President to believe in the tangible possibility of meaningful change during his single term in office.
Drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ, the revered spiritual leader urged President Mahama to lead with faith and unwavering determination, even within the constrained timeframe of four years, to actualise the development and progress Ghanaians earnestly seek.
Reflecting on Ghana’s historical trajectory, Archbishop Duncan-Williams lamented a past when Ghana was seemingly ahead of nations like Singapore, China, and Malaysia in terms of development.
He expressed concern that these nations have now significantly surpassed Ghana.
His impassioned message served as both a resolute call to action for the leadership and a heartfelt plea for national renewal, firmly rooted in principles of faith, unity, and purposeful governance.
He emphasised the critical need for decisive leadership coupled with a clear national vision to fully restore Ghana’s inherent promise and potential.