Accra: The Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, has clarified that the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (NDPT) is an annual observance and should not be seen as a response to recent floods affecting parts of the country.
According to Ghana Web, Afriyie-Ankrah addressed public commentary and misinformation circulating on social media, emphasizing that the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving was created as a permanent event to unite Ghanaians in gratitude to God while seeking guidance for national peace, unity, and development. He stated, "The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is not a 48-hour response to the floods. It is an annual national observance. This year's programme, which is the second edition, had been planned long before the unfortunate flooding occurred. The coincidence in timing should not be interpreted as government insensitivity."
Afriyie-Ankrah noted that while the floods have cast a somber mood over the nation, they did not change the purpose of the observance, which remains one of thanksgiving, reflection, and intercession for Ghana. He also rejected suggestions that the Government was indifferent to the suffering of flood victims, stressing that immediate concern was demonstrated through both words and action. "The Government has shown compassion and responsibility towards those affected by the floods," he said, highlighting that President John Dramani Mahama directed the release of funds to support relief efforts.
He emphasized that the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving and the Government's humanitarian response are complementary. "As a nation, we have a responsibility to respond physically by providing relief and support to affected communities, while also responding spiritually by praying for healing, comfort, protection, and strength," he added.
The Presidential Envoy disclosed that special prayers were offered for those affected by the floods, aligning with the objectives of the observance to reflect Ghana's values of faith, compassion, and solidarity. Afriyie-Ankrah also highlighted the initiative's broader vision, which unites people of various faiths and fosters nation-building and character development. He stressed the importance of instilling values such as discipline and integrity, drawing parallels with countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
He explained that Ghana's churches and mosques are critical platforms for promoting moral values necessary for national transformation. "The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to harness these platforms to inspire positive behavioural change," he noted.
Afriyie-Ankrah urged Ghanaians to reject misinformation portraying the observance as an insensitive flood response. He expressed appreciation to all participants in the Second National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving and concluded by calling for unity and support as the country recovers from the floods and works towards a more resilient and prosperous future.