The Afrikania Mission, an organization devoted to the promotion of African Traditional Religion, has expressed displeasure over its exclusion from the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service held across the country on July 1, 2025.

According to the Mission, it did not receive any invitation to participate in the event.

The Christian Prayer and Thanksgiving Service took place at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, led by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, while the Islamic Prayer and Thanksgiving Service was conducted at 12:30 p.m. by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, at the Ghana National Mosque in Kanda.

President John Dramani Mahama declared July 1, traditionally observed as Republic Day, as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving earlier this year. The initiative, he said, recognises the exceptional religious harmony the country enjoys and provides a moment for national reflection and spiritual renewal.

However, the Acting Research Officer of the Afrikania Mission, Nufialega Mawufemor Kwabla Nonyigbe, in an interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, expressed surprise that the organisers of the event chose to partner with representatives of foreign religions, Christianity and Islam, while excluding the indigenous traditional religion.

"Honestly, we are not happy with what happened. In a nation where there are three main religions, it is disheartening that only two were recognised, and we were excluded. I don’t know what went into the planning that led to a collaboration with foreign religions, while ignoring the indigenous one. Traditionally, we should have been given the opportunity to set the pace before the foreign religions. So, we are not happy about it."

The Research Officer added that although the Mission held its own version of the event at its premises in Klikor, it intends to formally express its displeasure to the appropriate authorities.

"We are going to send a strong message to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Minister of Tourism, that we are not pleased with the way we have been treated. We will petition them and ensure that we are recognised in subsequent editions."

KA

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