President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to complement prayer with responsible action, discipline and hard work, stressing that faith alone cannot deliver the country’s economic transformation.
Addressing the 2026 National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the Black Star Square, the President said national development requires citizens to translate their faith into productive action and collective responsibility.
“Our national journey reminds us of an enduring truth, ‘faith without works is dead,’ says James 2:26. And prayer without responsibility cannot transform an economy. Hope without discipline cannot create prosperity,” President Mahama said.
Drawing lessons from biblical history, he noted that prayer has always gone hand in hand with diligence and strategic planning.
“Throughout history, God’s people have always combined faith with hard work. When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, the people prayed but they also laboured. When Joseph prepared Egypt for the years of famine, they also planned wisely,” he stated.
The President further urged Ghanaians to strengthen national cohesion by rejecting attitudes that undermine unity and progress.
“Our Constitution binds us together, our history unites us and our future depends upon our ability to work together. Therefore, let us reject bitterness, intolerance and division,” he said.
He added: “Let us reject corruption and cynicism. Instead, let us embrace dialogue over hostility, service over self-interest, unity over division and hope over despair. No nation has ever achieved greatness by allowing its differences to define its future.”
Also speaking at the national event, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye challenged Ghanaians to stop placing the blame for the country’s challenges solely on political leaders, arguing that every citizen has a responsibility in addressing corruption and promoting national development.
“We are making a mistake by always blaming politicians. How many are they? What about the millions of us? Our forebears did not think the way we are thinking in our generation. How many politicians and government appointees do we have in a population of 35, 34 million plus? How can these few people determine our destiny?” he asked.
Questioning the role of Christians in combating corruption, he added, “Seventy-one percent of us claim to be Christians. If we are not part of the corruption, how could we have felt it?”
The annual National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving brought together political leaders, religious groups and citizens to seek divine guidance for the nation while reflecting on Ghana’s shared responsibility in fostering peace, integrity and national development.
