Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has endorsed the proposal to observe July 1st, Ghana’s Republic Day, as a National Day of Prayers and Thanksgiving.
He described the initiative as timely and meaningful, emphasizing the importance of national unity, gratitude, and reflection.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the planning committee to his residence in Accra on May 30. The visit was to officially invite the former President to the upcoming prayers and seek his blessing for the initiative.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Republic Day, the former President noted that July 1, 1960, marked Ghana’s true assumption of sovereignty.
“Yes, we had gained independence from Britain in 1957, but our head of state was still the Queen of England,” he said. “It wasn’t until 1st July that Ghana gave itself its first President. That was when we truly became a sovereign nation.”
He lauded President John Mahama, under whose tenure the idea has been mooted, for recognizing the day not only as a celebration of Ghana’s republican status but also as an opportunity for national prayer and thanksgiving.
“If President Mahama thought it fit to use the day to thank God and pray for inclusive prosperity, then I agree with him,” he stated. “It is a powerful gesture.”
The former President expressed hope that the day would serve as a platform for Ghanaians to seek divine guidance for national progress and inclusive development.
“We will celebrate it as a day to thank the Almighty who made Ghana what it is and who, I’m sure, will prosper Ghana into becoming what it should be- a land of plenty, happiness, and fairness for all,” he said.
He also used the occasion to stress the importance of unity and humanity in governance, calling for an end to divisions along ethnic, religious, political and social lines. “Whether you are from tribe A, B or C, that should be secondary. Humanity should be central,” Kufuor asserted.
Touching on Ghana’s democratic journey, he noted that citizens, through elections, delegate their sovereignty to elected officials, underscoring the need for leaders to respect the will of the people and govern with empathy and fairness.
The planning committee expressed gratitude for Mr. Kufuor’s endorsement and assured him that the event would be inclusive and reflective of Ghana’s diversity and democratic values.
The National Day of Prayers and Thanksgiving is expected to take place across the country with special interfaith services and civic engagements.
