National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Marked with Solemnity and Hope in Sene East District. Kajaji, Sene East – July 1, 2025

 

In a historic moment for the nation, Ghana today observed its first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, a significant initiative declared by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to be commemorated annually on July 1st. The day, themed "Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity," was established as a time for Ghanaians to pause, express gratitude to the Almighty, and seek divine guidance for the nation’s continued peace and progress. Across the country, citizens from all walks of life gathered in churches, mosques, and public spaces to participate in this momentous occasion.

In the Sene East District, the observance was meticulously organized by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Nkrumah Fredrik Kwadwo, who ensured that the day’s activities were inclusive, reflecting the religious and cultural diversity of the district. The event was structured into two main sessions—a Christian thanksgiving service in the morning and a Muslim prayer session in the afternoon—bringing together religious leaders, traditional authorities, assembly members, and residents in a collective demonstration of faith and patriotism.

The day’s proceedings commenced with a solemn and uplifting service at the District Pentecost Church in Kajaji, the district capital. The church was filled to capacity with congregants, including pastors from various denominations, chiefs, assembly members, and community leaders, all united in purpose. The atmosphere was one of reverence and gratitude as hymns of praise filled the air, setting the tone for a day dedicated to thanksgiving.

In his welcome address, the DCE, Hon. Nkrumah Fredrik Kwadwo, took a moment to reflect on Ghana’s journey as a nation, acknowledging the unwavering grace of God in sustaining the country through challenges. "We are gathered here today not by coincidence but by divine providence," he declared. "Ghana, our beloved nation, has been blessed beyond measure. While other nations in our sub-region grapple with instability and conflict, we continue to enjoy peace. Our land is rich with gold, diamonds, timber, and countless other resources. Yet, the greatest of these blessings is the unity and harmony we share as one people."

The DCE’s speech resonated deeply with the congregation, many of whom nodded in agreement as he emphasized the need for continuous gratitude and collective responsibility in nation-building. Following his address, special prayers were offered for the nation’s leadership, including the President, regional ministers, and the district’s own administration. The clergy, led by the presiding pastor, prayed fervently for wisdom, integrity, and divine direction for the DCE and his team, urging them to govern with fairness and compassion.

At exactly 12:30 PM, the focus shifted to the District Central Mosque in Kajaji, where the Muslim community, led by the Chief Imam and Zongo leaders, gathered for an equally impactful session of prayers and supplications. The mosque was filled with worshippers, including women and children, who had come to join in the national observance. The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by sermons that underscored the importance of thankfulness, unity, and moral uprightness in society.

The Chief Imam, in his exhortation, reminded the gathering that true prosperity begins with righteousness and obedience to God’s commandments. "As we pray for our leaders today, let us also examine our own lives. Are we contributing positively to our communities? Are we raising our children with the right values? Let this day be a turning point for all of us," he urged. Prayers were then offered for national peace, economic stability, and the success of the DCE’s administration, with the congregation responding in unison with heartfelt "Ameen."

One of the key highlights of the day was the address by the Deputy Director of the District Assembly, Mr. Rafik, who spoke passionately about the need for a renewed sense of responsibility among citizens. He expressed concern over the lax attitudes of some individuals toward government work and public property, stressing that national development requires the active participation of every Ghanaian.

"It is disheartening to see how some people treat government institutions with disdain," Mr. Rafik remarked. "From lateness at work to the misuse of public resources, these actions hinder progress. If we truly love Ghana, we must change our mindset and commit to doing what is right, not just when we are being watched, but at all times." His message struck a chord with the audience, many of whom later engaged in discussions on how to foster a culture of accountability and excellence in the district.

Taking advantage of the large gathering, the DCE, Hon. Nkrumah Fredrik Kwadwo, announced a series of new policy measures aimed at transforming education and tackling youth delinquency in the district.

Expressing concern over the poor academic performance and wayward behavior of some students, the DCE revealed that the assembly would soon pass a strict by-law enforcing a 9:00 PM curfew for all school-going children. "Education is the bedrock of development, and we cannot sit idle while our children roam the streets at night instead of studying," he stated. Under the new regulation, any student found outside after the stipulated time, along with their parents or guardians, will face sanctions. The move, he explained, is intended to instill discipline and create a conducive environment for learning.

The DCE also addressed the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth, citing the alarming use of tramadol, cannabis (wee), and other dangerous substances. "Our investigations reveal that many young people are destroying their futures with these drugs. This cannot continue," he declared. To combat the issue, the assembly will launch a district-wide anti-drug campaign, partnering with health professionals, religious leaders, and security agencies to educate, rehabilitate, and enforce strict penalties for offenders.

As the events drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of fulfillment and optimism among attendees. The day had not only served as a spiritual recharge but also as a platform for crucial policy announcements and communal bonding. Many residents expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such observances help strengthen social cohesion and reignite patriotism.

The successful observance of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Sene East District sets a positive precedent for future editions. As Ghana continues to navigate its developmental journey, such moments of collective reflection and gratitude will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping national character and fostering sustainable growth.

With the DCE’s bold policies on education and youth development, coupled with the renewed commitment of citizens, the district—and by extension, the nation—stands on the cusp of a new era of progress and prosperity.