BY Grace Zigah
Former Minister for Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, has been appointed to lead Ghana’s newly inaugurated National Planning Committee for the country’s first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, a significant initiative aimed at promoting spiritual and moral reflection among Ghanaians.
The announcement came during a formal launch ceremony in Accra on May 29, 2025, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s civic and national calendar.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is slated to be observed annually on July 1st, a day previously commemorated as Republic Day.
The initiative is the brainchild of President John Dramani Mahama, who has cast the effort as a unifying national call, transcending politics, religion, and ethnicity.
The theme for this year’s celebration — “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity” — sets the tone for a nationwide introspection.
Afriyie-Ankrah, in his keynote address, made it clear that the day is not about religious dogma or partisan agendas, but about aligning Ghana with a higher purpose through national humility, discipline, and shared values.
“This is a call to spiritual consciousness and moral accountability. It is not political. It is a moment for every Ghanaian — from the churches and mosques to the marketplaces and schools — to come together and ask: where are we, and where do we want to go as a nation?” Afriyie-Ankrah stated.
He challenged citizens to shift away from a culture of blame and entitlement and instead embrace truth, self-discipline, and gratitude as pillars for national development.
He also urged the media to play a crucial role in broadcasting the significance of the day and ensuring widespread participation.
The committee he chairs is tasked with coordinating activities across all 16 regions, working with faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and traditional leaders to ensure inclusive observance.
Plans for the inaugural event on July 1 include prayer services, interfaith gatherings, community outreach, fasting, and nationwide broadcasts focused on unity, repentance, and hope.
The establishment of this day comes at a time when the country continues to grapple with economic pressures, political polarization, and a crisis of public trust in institutions.
