MAIDEN NATIONAL PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT ADA WEST DISTRICT
The District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. J.J.F. Modijifa Tanihu Nkrumah-Mills, joined the Ada West District Christian and the Muslim councils, in the early hours of Tuesday, to offer prayers, in honour of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service, at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and the Central Mosque in Sege.
Stating the purpose for the gathering, the District Coordinating Director Mr. Kwadwo Bour Gyamfi, disclosed that 1st July is very significant in the history and sovereignty of the Republic of Ghana. It used to be commemorated as Republic Day. It has now been institutionalized as National Prayer And Thanksgiving Day to unite Ghanaians of all faith to thank God for His goodness and prosperity of the country, nationwide.
The programme brought together the leaders and members of the Christian fraternity from the various local churches in the district, Hon. Assembly Members, the security services, teachers and choir of the Ada Senior High and Technical School, corporate institutions, traditional leaders, staff and management of the Assembly and the general public. Gospel ministers, across the district graced the occasion with powerful song ministrations.
They offered prayers, worshiped and thanked God for the enormous blessings bestowed on the country Ghana. They also prayed for the leadership of the nation to lead with wisdom and the fear of the Lord, prayed for a purposeful youth, peace and prosperity of the land and against physical and spiritual attack on the country. They asked the Almighty God to rule supreme in the affairs of the nation. The choir, from the Ada Senior High and Technical schools graced the occasion with patriotic songs to reflect the celebration.
This service, is in fulfilment of the institutionalization of every 1st July as “National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day” by the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. It has become a day set aside for Ghanaians to unite in prayer and thank God for the peace and prosperity of the nation. The occasion would be observed yearly, to acknowledge the supremacy of God in the spiritual growth and sustenance of the country. The celebration was held under the theme, “Reflect, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity”.
The DCE, addressing the gathering mentioned the theme, and enjoined “Ghanaians to pause and examine our journey as a nation, our triumphs, struggles, values, and choices, acknowledge where we have come from, identify our strengths and confront our shortcomings with honesty, to clear what no longer serves our progress – be it indiscipline, corruption, or division and adopt a mindset of accountability, unity and shared purpose and finally call to rise stronger with renewed faith, hope and commitment to national development”
He said, the appropriateness of the theme “urges every citizen to align with higher ideals so that together, we can build a Ghana that thrives in righteousness, resilience and abundance. Reflecting on the goodness of God to the district, the DCE stated that despite the economic challenges, climate change effects, youth unemployment among other challenges, progress has been made in agriculture, healthcare and social interventions through the divine help of God.
Therefore, it is not out of place to gather and offer communal prayers and gratitude to the Lord for life, peace, and prosperity of the people and the nation. He reflected on Psalm 124:1 as the assurance of God’s presence in sustaining the district and the nation as a whole.
He cautioned that in as much as we acknowledge spiritual interventions for prosperity in our lives, “prayer is not a substitute for action – it is a catalyst”. In the same vein, “thanksgiving is not the end of responsibility – it is the beginning of renewed commitment”. This is rightfully etched in “James 2:17 Faith without works is dead”. Therefore, after kneeling down in prayers, we must all rise to our knees again in action, towards national prosperity.
He called for the upholding of this “National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day” as it is the only unifier, transcending political and ethnic differences. He appealed for the protection of the environment, children’s rights and be committed to “values that reflect God’s justice, mercy and love”. He earnestly wished that leaders would be committed to “prayer and ethical values” as well as “commitment to gratitude and service”.
Delivering the word, Rev. Paul Nartey Menzo, exhorted that as we reset as a nation, we must seek the face of God on all issues as “prayer answers all things”. He advised the citizens to desist from wickedness and humble themselves before the Lord. He called on all to reflect on 2Chronicles 7:14. He also prayed for investors to develop the district.
The Chief of Sege Blonya, Nene Kpankpa Kodjo II called on the citizens to be united and live peacefully with one another. He also entreated all to prioritize environmental sanitation for a healthier and cleaner communities.
At the Sege Central Mosque, the DCE and his entourage were received by the Chief Imam Sheikh Hamza Mohammed, his Deputy Sheikh Abdul Wahab Seidu and the entire Muslim council. They expressed their joy over the nation seeking the face of Allah. They also offered prayers of peace, unity, development and good health for citizens and leaders of the country.
The Chief Imam encouraged all to “cast out all their fears” as Allah is all knowing and answers all unsaid prayers. Therefore, Allah would answer every good thought and intention of the leadership of the country.
ISD – AWDA
1st July 2025