His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson has underscored a pivotal message to Ghanaians: the onus of national transformation extends beyond the presidency, resting instead on the collective shoulders of every citizen. Speaking at the inaugural National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Cardinal Turkson, the former President of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, implored the nation to cultivate both spiritual values and civic virtues as foundational elements for achieving enduring national progress. He stressed that while a president may harbor good intentions, genuine transformation is contingent upon the active participation and moral uprightness of the populace. He articulated that true biblical religiosity mandates that one's belief in God must inherently shape their worldview and their designated role within that vision.

Cardinal Turkson directly challenged the public to embrace personal accountability in shaping Ghana’s trajectory, asserting that faith in God must be tangibly reflected in a clear moral vision for the country. He issued a stern caution, stating that without a profound commitment to ethical living and virtue, Ghana risks succumbing to the pervasive influence of greed, which he warned would precipitate widespread negative consequences for all. He elaborated that simply formulating a vision for Ghana is insufficient; each individual must also delineate their personal place and responsibilities within that vision, living by virtues to prevent societal decay caused by avarice. When greed takes hold, he explained, the entire nation bears the burden of its 'negative externalities'.

Further emphasizing his concerns, Cardinal Turkson called for a renewed commitment to responsibility and national unity, highlighting that unchecked greed and selfish ambition are systematically depleting the country's shared resources and imperiling the welfare of future generations. He clarified that authentic national prosperity transcends mere financial wealth, encompassing fundamental necessities such as access to nourishing food, clean water, adequate shelter, quality education, comprehensive healthcare, and the cultivation of peaceful coexistence among citizens. He pointed out that Ghana, despite being abundantly blessed with natural resources, sees these blessings undermined and ruined by the avarice of a select few.

As a poignant illustration of this environmental abuse driven by greed, Cardinal Turkson cited the devastating effects of widespread illegal mining activities, commonly known as 'galamsey'. He lamented the tragic state of the Pra River, once a vibrant source of prawns and shrimps, now polluted and dangerous. He highlighted the perilous exposure of children playing in these contaminated rivers to hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide, noting that mission hospitals are increasingly reporting a rise in birth defects, which he termed the 'bitter fruits' of environmental degradation. This significant National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, themed “Reset, Reflect and Renew for National Prosperity,” was officially designated by President John Dramani Mahama to be celebrated annually on July 1, coinciding with Republic Day.