President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to remain grateful to God, despite the recent devastating floods that claimed lives and destroyed property, saying faith and thanksgiving should remain the nation’s anchor even in moments of adversity.
Addressing the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra on Tuesday, the President acknowledged the pain and loss caused by the floods, but said the circumstances should not diminish the country’s gratitude to God.
“Even as we mourn the lives lost and the property destroyed in the recent devastating floods, God exhorts us in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5:18 that, in all things, give thanks to God,” President Mahama said.
He explained that the gathering was not because Ghana’s challenges had ended, but because God had remained faithful throughout the nation’s journey.
“Today is first and foremost a day of thanksgiving. We do not gather because every challenge confronting us has disappeared or because our work as a nation is complete. Rather, we gather because through every challenge God has been faithful,” he stated.
The President said this year’s theme; “Resetting Our Values to Build the Ghana We Want” should inspire Ghanaians to embrace integrity, discipline and patriotism, as the foundation for national transformation.
According to him, lasting national development cannot be achieved through government policies alone, insisting that true transformation begins with the character and conduct of citizens.
“Lasting national transformation is not achieved solely through policy. Laws cannot instil integrity. Governments can implement programmes but governments cannot legislate honesty, compassion or patriotism,” he noted.
He stressed that teachers, health workers, farmers, journalists, parents, public servants and ordinary citizens all have a role to play in rebuilding the nation’s moral fabric.
“The Ghana we seek will not be built solely through big infrastructural projects or economic reform.
“The Ghana we seek will be built by the millions of ordinary Ghanaians who make the right choices every day to do what is right,” he said.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s recent economic progress, describing the country’s recovery as remarkable, while attributing it to prudent leadership, fiscal discipline, the sacrifices of citizens and God’s grace.
“Our economic recovery is touted around the world as truly amazing. Through prudent fiscal reform, responsible leadership and the sacrifices of the Ghanaian people, our nation has made remarkable progress.
“But above all our efforts, we must acknowledge the grace of the Almighty God who has sustained us through this journey,” he said.
He, however, cautioned that economic gains would not be sustainable without a corresponding commitment to ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
“Economic transformation without moral transformation cannot endure. Prosperity without integrity is fragile.
“Development without discipline is unsustainable, and growth without justice leaves too many people behind,” he declared.
Calling for national unity, the President urged Ghanaians to put the country’s interests above political, ethnic and religious differences.
“Before we belong to political parties, we belong to Ghana. Before we identify with tribe or region or religion, we are citizens of one republic,” he said, urging citizens to reject “bitterness, intolerance and division” in favour of dialogue, service and hope.
He further reminded citizens that nation-building is a shared responsibility and not the preserve of government alone.
“The Ghana we want will not be built only in Parliament. It will not be built only at the Presidency. It will be built in our homes, in our schools, in our offices, in our markets and on our farms. In every place where Ghanaians choose to do what is right, each day Ghana will be built,” he said.
President Mahama concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon Ghana, asking for wisdom, peace, prosperity and unity as the country strives to build a stronger future for generations to come.
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