Church, not state, should lead July 1 national prayer day – Catholic Bishops, Christian Council propose

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana are calling for the Church to take the lead role in the organisation and promotion of the newly instituted National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, slated for 1st July each year.

In a joint communiqué issued after their May 2025 ecumenical service held at St. James Catholic Church in Osu, Accra, the two religious bodies welcomed the institution of the day but proposed that its leadership and direction should rest with the Church.

“Having been briefed by the Planning Committee of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on the proposal to annually observe July 1 as National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, we wish to propose that the annual event should be led by the Religious Bodies with the Church taking central role in its organization and promotion,” the communiqué stated.

They argued that while the state’s recognition of the importance of nationalprayer and thanksgiving is commendable, the responsibility for such a sacred observance rightly belongs to the faith community.

Their proposal comes after President John Dramani Mahama declared July 1st, previously observed as Republic Day, as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, fulfilling a campaign promise.

Inaugurating a multi-faith planning committee on 25 April 2025, the President described the day as a “sacred initiative that reflects the soul of our nation,” aimed at uniting Ghanaians in gratitude and prayer.

Chaired by former Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and coordinated by Prophet Dr Akwasi Agyemang Prempeh, the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Planning Committee includes representatives from both Christian and Islamic groups.

Read the communique below.

Communique issued by the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC)