president mahama declares 1st july as national day of prayers and thanksgiving  

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that July 1st, traditionally celebrated as Ghana’s Republic Day, will now be reinstated as a public holiday and observed as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. This decision aims to foster national unity, gratitude, and spiritual reflection.

Speaking at the Perez Chapel International in Accra, President Mahama emphasized the significance of July 1st as the day Ghana became a republic, marking its full sovereignty from British colonial rule. He stated, “First July we became a republic and we cut ties with the British Empire. So, on that day, the true Ghana was born. I’ve said that we must give thanks to the Almighty God, and so we are restoring the holiday to that day.”

The President highlighted Ghana’s unique religious harmony, noting that Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists coexist peacefully. He remarked, “One of Ghana’s greatest blessings is the harmony with which we practice our diverse faiths. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists, we worship differently but we work together as one people. This is a national treasure that we must never take for granted.”

To ensure the successful organization of this national event, a planning committee has been established, chaired by former minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah. The committee’s mandate is to coordinate inclusive celebrations that bring together various religious denominations across the country. Mr. Ankrah stated, “We will consult broadly, we will engage inclusively, we will bring everybody on board from every region, every faith, every background because the national day of thanksgiving belongs to all of us.”

In addition to the spiritual observance, the government has announced that Ghanaian internet users will enjoy special data bundles on July 1st, as part of initiatives to enhance digital access during national holidays.

President Mahama’s declaration reinstates July 1st as a day for Ghanaians to reflect, give thanks, and pray for the nation’s continued peace and prosperity.