President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to national transformation, urging unity among churches, infrastructural development and active church participation in economic revitalization.
Speaking at a Fellowship with the Clergy at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), President Mahama emphasized the crucial role of faith in Ghana’s governance and socio-economic progress.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 elections, expressed gratitude to the clergy for their prayers and support, especially during the last election cycle.
“Today, I stand before you here in Kumasi to join you in thanking the almighty God for the bountiful blessings he has continued to bestow on our dear nation, Ghana–God blessed us with peaceful and successful elections. And for that, we thank him.”
He called on the clergy to continue interceding for the nation as it navigates economic difficulties and developmental challenges.
“Our prayers are needed now more than ever before. The challenges are daunting but nothing is too difficult for our God we serve; He’ll guide us and grant us the wisdom to turn the fortunes of our dear nation Ghana around.
“As James said, ‘You must believe and not doubt otherwise, you shall be like the waves of the sea tossed about by the wind.’ We don’t doubt God. We know he will do it for us. He will guide us to turn this nation around”
President Mahama acknowledged the church’s role in shaping Ghana’s moral and social fabric, describing the church as a “pillar of hope, a beacon of faith, and a force for transformation in our communities.”
He also urged churches to work in unity and eliminate competition among denominations, emphasizing that Christianity is a shared faith with a common mission.
“As churches and Christians, we share the same faith. We are not in competition with each other. After all, in Matthew nine verse verse 37, it tells us the harvest is plentiful. But the laborers are few. And so, let’s pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers.
“So, we need even more churches. We need more men of God. And so we are not in competition with each other. We are all workers in the Lord’s vineyard. And there’s a lot for all of us to harvest. And so we must eschew every sense of competition, every sense of envy and arrogance.”
Call for Expanded Church Outreach and Social Impact:
President Mahama encouraged the church to extend its reach through church planting and evangelism, particularly in underserved areas in the Ashanti Region, noting that the presence of churches helps to curb moral decay, countering the argument that increased religiosity has not resulted in a decline in crime and immorality.
“If there were no churches, the situation would be worse. The church is doing its best, and we must support its role in shaping our moral values, strengthening families, and fostering social cohesion.”
He also called on church leaders to foster dialogue with national authorities, ensuring that Christian values influence governance and policy direction.
Infrastructure and Economic Growth in Ashanti Region:
President Mahama highlighted the economic significance of the Ashanti Region, describing it as a “historical center of culture, commerce, and industry, underscoring the need for deliberate investments to enhance infrastructure, boost trade, and improve living standards in the region.
“One key area of focus to the President is improving infrastructure development in Kumasi and across Ashanti. “We must improve connectivity by investing in better roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. A well-connected region creates opportunities for businesses, farmers, and traders to prosper.
“There is much to do. And I ask for your prayers – that we all continue to pray as a people so that God can let us achieve the objective to reset our dear nation Ghana.”
Promoting Job Creation Through Agriculture and Industry:
Moreover, President Mahama proposed stronger collaborations between churches and the government in economic development, particularly in agriculture and agribusiness.
He invited churches to invest in commercial farming and agribusiness ventures to create employment and generate revenue for their activities, giving the assurance that any church that decides to go into agribusiness or agriculture will have government support.
The President also stressed the need to support the Ashanti Region’s manufacturing and creative industries, including Kumawood, to harness its economic potential.
“The Ashanti Region is a cultural hub and the home of Ghana’s vibrant Kumawood film industry–We must invest in tourism initiatives, filmmaking, and creative arts to preserve our heritage, create jobs, and boost the local economy.”
President Mahama urged religious leaders not to shy away from holding political leaders accountable, including his administration.
“The church has a voice that must be heard in national discourse. Men and women of God must not be afraid to speak up when they see things going wrong in my administration.”
He encouraged continued prayers for Ghana’s leaders, emphasizing the need for wisdom, unity, and resilience in overcoming the nation’s economic and governance challenges.
Concluding his address, President Mahama called for national unity, reminding Ghanaians that faith, hard work, and collective effort are essential for the country’s recovery. “We must continue to pray and work together as a people so that God can help us reset our dear nation, Ghana,” he said.
His address was met with applause and expressions of support from the clergy present, who commended him for recognizing the critical role of the church in national development.
