By Edward Dankwah

Accra, June 7, GNA – Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Former President of Ghana, has called on Ghanaians to support the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving initiative, introduced by the Government.

He said it was clearly a valuable initiative, a dedicated day for all to come together in gratitude to the Almighty for the many blessings He has graciously bestowed upon us.

“And you identify one of the most important things is stability, the unity of our country and its stability, our country is the only one in West Africa, one of the few on the continent that has never had a civil war, we must give thanks to God,” he added.

Nana Akufo-Addo said this during a courtesy call paid by the Planning Committee of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at his residence in Accra, to introduce themselves to him, and formally invite him to the national event.

The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is designed to bring together Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups together for a common purpose, on the theme: “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity.”

The Christian segment of the programme will be held at the forecourt of the State House from 0800 hours to 1000 hours, followed by Muslim prayers at the National Mosque from 1230 hours to 1400 hours.

Nana Akufo-Addo said while the nation had faced challenges and differences, it had never deviated from its course, nor haddescended into conflict over power, stressing that it was a profound blessing, and that it was essential to preserve this path of unity and stability.

“We are now in the Fourth Republic, during which we have successfully experienced four peaceful transitions of government”

“The events of December last year further affirm that peaceful transfers of power through popular consultation have become an integral part of our national culture,” he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo commended the President for taking on this initiative and for making it real.

He also congratulated the planning committee for undertaking this important national assignment and devoting their energies to it.

“It’s all in the interest of our country and I think it’s a worthwhile initiative, and I believe that it is one that all well-meaning Ghanaians, who are the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians, will embrace this initiative as a positive development for the nation,” he stressed.

Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Chair for the Committee, said over the past few weeks the Committee had been making courtesy visits to both former and current national leaders to seek their guidance and support in preparation for the upcoming national celebration.

He reiterated that after 67 years of independence, many other countries had gone through a lot of turbulence, but Ghana was the only country that had not had any civil war.

“Having been the President for 8 years, Former President Akufo-Addo commended and endorsed us, which shows that we are on the right trajectory,” he added.

He said Ghanaians should actively participate in this program because their forebears came together to form this nation without seeking permission.

Mr. Ankrah added: “You could have been born in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, or any other region experiencing conflict, but by providence, you were born in Ghana, a country that, despite its challenges, especially during election seasons, remains peaceful and united.

He warned all and sundry to kindly refrain from wearing attire that displayed political party colors, encouraging participants to wear clothing that reflected the national colors, all-white outfits, or other appropriate celebratory attire.

GNA

Kenneth Odeng Adade