WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR TECHIMAN NORTH HON. JOHNSON KWABENA ADOM, ON THE OCCASION OF NATIONAL PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION HELD ON TUESDAY ,1ST JULY 2025 AT TUOBODOM TOWN PARK MENT & MINISTER FOR TRADE, AGRIBUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, LAWYER MRS. ELIZABETH OFOSU-ADJARE
NANANOM, REVERED CLERGY, MUSLIM MISSION, SECURITY AGENCIES, HON. ASSEMBLY MEMBERS, DISTRICT COORDINATING DIRECTOR, HEADS OF DEPARTMENT/INSTITUTIONS, VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS GATHERED HERE, FRIENDS FROM THE MEDIA, DISTINGUESHED INVITED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you on this momentous occasion of National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day. We thank the Almighty God for his grace and mercies for our dear District and Ghana as a whole. I want to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to you all for coming out in your numbers to honor this important occasion.
NANANOM, ESTEEMED GUESTS,
We have gathered here today to celebrate Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. This is an initiative by the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as a symbolic and substantive call to spiritual reflection, national gratitude, and renewed unity. A sacred moment in the Nation’s calendar meant to unite citizens across religious lines in prayer and thanksgiving for the Nation’s peace, stability, and shared destiny, emphasizing that this day will be observed annually.
NANANOM, LADIES AND GENTILEMEN,
Today also marks the 65th anniversary of Ghana attaining republican status, is observed across all the sixteen (16) regions and two hundred and sixty-one (261) Districts, uniting the nation under one collective spiritual canopy.
To acquire a clear picture of the significance of this event, it is necessary to take a quick glance back to many years ago when our forefathers laid their lives for this great nation of ours to bring us this success story. The struggle for independence was not butter and bread but rather catastrophic fight where our gallant veterans soldiers died. The republic of Ghana was won not on silver platter but with loss of lives and sacrifices which today we can all be proud of as a nation with our destiny now in our hands. On this remarkable occasion of Republic Day marked the end of colonial rule on the 1st of July,1960.
Let us remember with gratitude the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the success story we are witnessing today. This historical event gave birth to our constitution, the guiding light to ensure justice, liberty, equality for all. Let us pledge to uphold the values enshrined in our constitution and work tirelessly towards a brighter future.
DISTINGUISH INVITED GUEST, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
There would not have been better theme for the occasion than “Reflect, Reset, and Renewal for National Prosperity”
The oxford dictionary defines the meanings of these words Reflect, Reset and renewal as “Reflect”, to think deeply with the possibilities and options of change, “Reset” is to start again and Renewal to mean an instance of resuming something after an interruption.
Pondering on each of the meaning of those three strong words. I feel the theme is relevant, appropriate and timely as the country has just emerged from economic difficulties for so many successive governments after the Republican Day. Ghana has been recognized as the hub of democracy and the gate way for Africa’s premise on certain religious, tribal and other socio-economic tolerance. This year’s National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day has urged us to reflect on some of the struggles we as nation have gone through to begin a new chapter of our economic transformation and political stability. It further reminds us to renew our spirit to fight for better opportunities and work assiduously to transform the economy.
This year’s event aims to inspire introspection on both individual and national levels, encouraging citizens to assess their personal and collective journeys, renew their dedication to Ghana’s development, and collectively pursue the path of peace, progress, and shared prosperity.
NANANOM, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
Quoting Psalm 127:1, let’s be reminded that “unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Again, Surah Ash-Shura 42:30, stating, “Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned”
These sacred words from both holy books of the scripture reminds us that without God’s guidance, our best efforts may fall short. First July has long symbolized Ghana’s attainment of status as a proud and sovereign republic and is popularly called Republic Day.
Today, we give it a new meaning, designating it also as a day on which Ghanaians across faiths and generations will pause to give thanks and intercede for the nation.”
One of Ghana’s greatest blessings is the harmony with which we practice our diverse faiths. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists, we worship differently but we work together as one people. This is a national treasure that we must never take for granted.
Let’s therefore pray for our children that they may be guided in truth and equipped for a future of promise: let’s also pray for our youth that they may find meaningful work and reject the temptation of despair; let’s pray for our men and women in uniform that they may serve with courage and compassion.
Let’s pray for our teachers, doctors, farmers, nurses, the artisans, traders, businessmen and women that the work of their hands may prosper our nation, let us pray for our leaders that they may lead not with pride but with humility and reverence for God, and yes, let us pray for ourselves that we may choose justice over corruption; we may choose peace over conflict, and we may choose unity over a fight.
NANANOM, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
It is imperative to reflect on the political antecedence as outlined above to renew our mandate with God through interdenominational prayers for our nation Ghana.
The Day has been set aside to pray and seek the face of our maker for the milestone that we have achieved. The country has gone a long way to sustain this republican status and there is the need for National Day of Prayers for peace and unity. It is also important to reflect on the number of times this country has gone through political instability and if today we have sustainable democracy, it is the Lord’s grace and favor. Therefore, it is gladding on every one of us to pray for economic stability and thank God for how far He has brought us.
The Cultural diversity in Ghana plays a vital role in strengthening peace and unity by fostering understanding, promoting dialogue, and encouraging shared values and traditions. It further provides a foundation for social cohesion towards building trust and empathy between different groups within the country. The significance of peace in fostering harmonious societies and global stability, cannot be over emphasized. Recognizing its paramount importance, the International Day of Peace has been observed around the world. Ghana neighboring countries are engulfed in political instability and there is the need to pray for peace along our borders.
It has become more important to remind ourselves the growing threats of insecurity all around us. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Ghana was ranked second in West Africa and 4th in Sub-Saharan Africa as one of the most peaceful countries. However, the country saw a drop by four points from 51st to 55th in the overall global ranking. Ghana’s status on peace requires proactive measures to preventing localized conflicts and addressing emerging threats.
May our Nation continue to prosper and stand tall in the midst of global turbulence. The soul of our republic lies in its diversity. This 1st July lets celebrate the beauty of being one, yet many. On this day, let’s remember that true freedom comes with responsibility towards our nation, its people, and the future.
I urge you all from all walks of life across faiths, ethnic lines, and political persuasions to approach the day with reverence, sincerity, and a spirit of national solidarity.
NANANOM, INVITED GUEST, DISTINGUESHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
It is important to draw your attention that the youth who are our future leaders of this country have recently indulged in all manners of drug addiction. This posture by the youth gives a worrying signal in our quest to comprehensively raise a society with high moral standard to take over the mantle of this country. As you may be aware that our effort to deter the youth from drugs such as tramadol, red, wee and other hard influential subsistence’s that had negative toll on their future prospects is disturbing. I therefore advise the youth to desist from this practice for the good of all of us, for a healthy nation is a worthy nation.
As I bring my remarks to a close, let us remember that prayer is not a one-day event, and thanksgiving is not a one-time act. They are daily practices that shape the character of a godly people and a great nation.
Let us go from here with hearts full of gratitude and lips full of praise. Let us intercede continuously for our families, our leaders, and our land. And above all, let us trust that God, who has watched over Ghana since independence, will continue to guide us into a future of peace, prosperity, and purpose.
Pride in the past, hope for the future
Together we rise, together we shine
I welcome you all to the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day celebration
May God bless you all and may God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong.
Thank you.
