By: Nicholas Osei-Wusu
The Kumasi Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Church, Most Reverend Gabriel Anokye, has called on Ghanaians to use the maiden edition of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to eschew tendencies that draw back national progress and divide the people including tribalism, homosexuality, irresponsible environmental practices and verbal abuse of leaders.
Instead, they must embrace justice, solidarity, hardwork, respect and humility expressing the hope that, very soon, lasting peace would be restored to Bawku in the Upper East region for the people to go about their lawful socio-economic activities without the fear of attack.
Most Rev. Anokye was delivering a Sermon at the Ashanti regional commemoration of Ghana’s first National Day of Payer and Thanksgiving at Asokore Mampong.
Central Charismatic Centre commonly called C.C.C. at Asokore Mampong hosted the Ashanti regional observance of Ghana’s maiden Prayer and Thanksgiving on the theme: “Reflect, Reset and Renew for National Prosperity.”
Hundreds of adherents of the Christian and Islamic faith congregated to fill the lower terrace of the large CCC auditorium.
The worshipers were from different denominations cutting across the orthodox, Pentecostal, charismatic, independent and Adventist fraternity, para church organizations such Aglow International joined in worship by staff of some state institutions including the NCCE.
Also participating were some members of the Regional Security Council and the Chief Executives for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Oforikrom, Asokore Mampong and Suame Municipalities. Some renowned clergy men led the congregation in prayers for reflection, spiritual renewal and revival for unity, peace and security within Ghana’s borders.
There also intercessory prayers for the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary arms of government for divine guidance, wisdom and discernment to reset priorities for national development and prosperity.
In an exhortation, the Kumasi Catholic Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel Anokye, hoped for the restoration of an enduring peace in Bawku and advised the citizenry to use the observance of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to do away with attitudes and behaviours that disintegrate the society and embrace God-fearing tendencies to propel national progress and prosperity.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, pledged to a leadership of humility, transparency, mutual respect and moral ethics.
Dr. Amoakohene urged the religious institutions to take advantage of the ongoing Constitutional review process to help instil moral ethics into the society to engender leadership of accountability and integrity.
The Regional Minister advised the youth to shun tendencies that could lead to their destruction but be creative and innovative so as to realize their ambitions in life.
