General

National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Urged to Remain Non-Partisan

Accra: Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on the committee responsible for organizing the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (NDPT) to ensure that the event remains true to its intended purpose. He emphasized that the presence of political paraphernalia or partisan remarks from moderators and speakers could undermine the spirit of the national event. "We therefore appeal that the programme remains non-partisan, focused solely on national unity and gratitude," he stated during a courtesy visit by the planning committee of the NDPT to the National Executives of the NPP.

According to Ghana News Agency, the planning committee also visited the National Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. The NDPT is designed to unite Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups under the theme: 'Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity.' The Christian segment of the programme is set to be held at the forecourt of the State House, followed by Muslim prayers at the National Mosque. The event will take place simultaneously across all 16 regions and 266 districts.

Mr. Frimpong expressed that such a national event is crucial for the nation, highlighting that even after a competitive election, the country continues to enjoy peace and harmony. He noted that the NPP had expressed gratitude through an internal 'Thank You Tour' despite not winning the election. He was optimistic that the national celebration would be successful, emphasizing that it is Ghana that ultimately wins, not any political party.

Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Chairman of the NDC, emphasized the need for a renewed focus on moral values as part of Ghana's nation-building agenda. He warned against the increasing monetization of politics, where financial influence often dictates leadership choices over merit. He called for the establishment of well-defined national values to guide governance and the nation's future.

Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Chairman of the Committee, highlighted the spiritual significance of the event, noting the President's recognition of the role of traditional rulers in maintaining national peace and unity. He urged for a politically neutral atmosphere, encouraging Ghanaians to wear white or national colors instead of political party paraphernalia.