On Tuesday, 1st July, 2025, faith and fellowship filled the corridors of the entire region as the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council and the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly hosted separate services, the Christian Service and Islamic Service to mark the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama instituted this important national event to instil a national consciousness of gratitude to the Almighty God for his abundant blessings and mercy over the government and the people of Ghana.
Under the theme “Reflect, Reset and Renew for National Prosperity,” the service invited believers and dignitaries alike into the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Cathedral for spiritual renewal and intercessions for the prosperity of Ghana.
Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, the Ahafo Regional Minister gave an inspiring message that urged citizens to embody the virtues of stewardship and faithbased development. Her words reinforced the day’s theme as a spiritual roadmap for national progress. She was quick to ascribe all praise and glory to God for how good He has been to the nation. Hon. Gardiner expressed her deep sense of appreciation to the Local Council of Churches, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Heads of Churches the Traditional Council and the entire Christian community for making the event remarkable.
In a moment of scripture-based reflection, passages were read from Psalm 103:1–4 drawing attention of the congregation to remember God’s mercies, His goodness, His temperance and forbearance, His healing power and His infinite capacity to prosper, as the nation seeks rapid transformation.
During an exhortation by Rev. Ebenezer Kwame Frimpong, who illuminated the theme by drawing lessons from Genesis 1:1–3, Psalm 103 and Romans 12:1. He emphasized that just as God brought light to darkness at creation, Ghana too must reset and renew its path by surrendering wholly to divine guidance and sacrificial service. The message resonated deeply, challenging attendees to become catalysts for change, spiritually and socially.
He called for the renewing of minds of all and sundry if they truly desire to see a change in the life of the nation. He indicated in the strongest terms that a nation can only find prosperity if it relied wholly on God and its citizens demonstrate a deep love for the country through positive attitudes towards all sectors of the economy.
In a structured Prayer Session, where the leaders of various denominations lifted intercessions for National Development, Leadership of the Nation and the Ahafo Region, the cathedral was agog with thunderous prayers from Apostle Samuel Otu Appiah, Rev. Paul Oduro Sarfo and Rev. Dr. E. K. Amoah respectively.
Earlier in the day, the Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving Service was held at the Regional Chief Imam’s Mosque in Goaso and was graced by the Hon. Charity Gardiner, officials from the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, Muslim Leaders and Traditional Authorities.
The event was marked by fervent prayers for the peace, progress and
prosperity of Ghana led by the Regional Chief Imam and other Muslim clerics. In a spirit of unity, various speakers emphasised the need for all Ghanaians to support the national leadership and to eschew bitterness and division in favour of development and harmony.
Delivering her keynote address, the Hon. Regional Minister Hon. Mrs. Charity Gardiner, expressed profound gratitude to the Muslim community for their continued support the government and the nation at large.She reiterated the importance of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving stating that it was a time to reflect, reset and renew lives in pursuit of national development. She called on the Muslim Community and all citizens to continue praying for the president and the country.
Hon. Gardiner highlighted key government policies designed to address
unemployment and boost economic development such as the National
Apprenticeship Programme, the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, the Feed Ghana programme. She also mentioned plans to facilitate work-abroad, the reduction of Hajj fees and the establishment of a Passport Office in Goaso.
Additionally, she assured the Muslim community of government’s commitment to register more Muslims onto the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) and acknowledged the appointment of Muslims to various leadership positions. On infrastructure, she pledged to address the numerous unmotorable roads within Goaso township and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that development reaches every corner of the Region.
The Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Joseph Akparibo also addressed the gathering, describing the day as a unique opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey. He commended the decision by the President to declare the day and encouraged the participation of all in the National Prayers. He assured the community of his commitment to tackle the many development challenges facing the municipality.
In his sermon, the Regional Chief Imam called on the citizens to speak the truth at all times as enjoined by both the Bible and Quran. He stressed the need to give due respect to traditional authorities as they play a vital role in Regional development.
He offered special prayers for the President, the Regional Minister, Security Agencies and all stakeholders contributing to national peace and stability.
As the event drew to a close, the Chief Imam through his spokesperson
thanked Hon. Charity Gardiner for her visit and prayed for her success in leading the Region. The Muslim chiefs present at the event expressed their appreciation to the leadership of the Region and reaffirmed their support for developmentoriented initiatives.
The programme ended with a heartfelt closing prayer led by the Regional Chief Imam signifying the successful conclusion of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in the Ahafo Region. The event served as a powerful symbol of unity, peace and collective
commitment towards national progress.
The Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council expresses profound gratitude to all clergy, invited guests, Chiefs, Security Services, Heads of Department and citizens who made the maiden events a success. Going forward, these services are expected to become annual fixtures on the regional calendar, reinforcing a culture of prayerful leadership and unity.
