Ghana’s First-Ever National Day Of Prayer Was Held On A Complete Voluntary Basis

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has revealed that, all of the organizers and employees of Ghana’s July 1, 2025, National Day of Prayer provided their services pro gratis, meaning they were not compensated for their labor.

With the theme “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity,” Ghana celebrated its first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving today.

According to the event’s chairman, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Prayer and Thanksgiving service, which featured Christian and Islamic services at the national level, was conducted completely on a voluntary basis without any financial incentives or allowances for organizers or employees.

Islamic prayers were held at the National Mosque in Kanda at 12:30 p.m., after an interdenominational Christian service in the State House forecourt in Accra at 8:00 a.m.

Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs), and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs worked together to organize similar events in each of the 16 regions as well as at the district level.

“This committee is putting the initiative together on a pro bono basis; we are doing it from our hearts. No tea, so we need the support of all,” he stated in during the prayer and thanksgiving service on Tuesday.

The National Prayer and Thanksgiving Committee, is made up of members from different Islamic and Christian faiths.

President John Dramani Mahama made a campaign pledge to support the project, which was formally declared an annual national celebration on July 1 during the general election of 2024.

“President Mahama Has Got It; No Advice Needed Now”

At today’s event, President Mahama led interfaith prayers that included contributions from Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson and the National Chief Imam, Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.

“We are called upon to reflect on where we came from as a people… abandon the culture of intolerance, blame game, corruption, impunity and embrace progressive attitudes that bring prosperity and peace,” Mr. Ankrah said during the launch.

Officials confirm that this inaugural event marks the beginning of what is expected to become an annual tradition. The commitment of volunteer organisers sets a precedent: future editions too will rely on voluntary service with no financial allowances. As a civic expression of national unity, the day seeks to become a fixture in Ghana’s calendar—where the nation collectively prays for prosperity, peace, and spiritual renewal.