News Guide Africa

Tag: Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah

  • Chief of Staff charges National Prayer Committee to innovate for national cohesion

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    The Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, has urged the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Planning Committee to look beyond mere administrative compliance and approach their mandate as a sacred national obligation.

    ​He tasked the committee to introduce innovative ideas and pragmatic initiatives that will amplify the impact of the programme, particularly in fostering national cohesion and accelerating Ghana’s development.

     

    Delegation from the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Planning Committee at the Office of Chief of Staff

    ​Dr. Debrah made these remarks when a delegation from the committee, led by Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House to officially apprise the Presidency of preparations for this year’s upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, slated for July 1.

     

    ​Presidential Commendation and High Optimism

    ​During the deliberations, the Chief of Staff conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s commendation to the committee for the successful execution of last year’s event.

    ​According to Dr. Debrah, President Mahama regards the annual observance as a crucial national initiative that cultivates unity, gratitude, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

    ​”The President is optimistic about an even bigger and more impactful celebration this year, with broader national participation and strengthened outcomes,” Julius Debrah stated, emphasizing the executive’s deep commitment to the spiritual and social health of the country.

    ​Strategic Consultations for a Unified Nation

    ​The engagement forms part of the committee’s strategic stakeholder consultations designed to ensure a meticulously coordinated and impactful national observance. The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving serves as a solemn platform that continues to galvanize reflection, unity, and national renewal across the country.

    ​Responding to the Chief of Staff’s charge, members of the committee expressed their profound appreciation for the Presidency’s unwavering support. They reaffirmed their resolve to orchestrate a well-structured and deeply meaningful event that truly embodies the values and aspirations of all Ghanaians.

    ​The July 1 observance is expected to convene faith leaders, government officials, civil society actors, and citizens from all strata of society in a unified moment of introspection and collective gratitude.

     

     

     

  • President Mahama Hails Catholic Church as ‘Vital Partner’ in Ghana’s Growth  

    President Mahama Hails Catholic Church as ‘Vital Partner’ in Ghana’s Growth  

    ​By Humu Shaibu

    ​President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the Catholic Church for its “pioneering and sustained” contributions to Ghana’s development, describing the institution as a bedrock of the nation’s progress in education, healthcare, and social services.

     

    ​The President’s commendation was delivered on his behalf by the Presidential Envoy for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, during the installation of the Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan in the Oti Region.

     

    ​Addressing a gathering of the faithful, traditional leaders, and state officials, the President emphasized that the partnership between the state and the Catholic Church remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s stability.

     

    ​“The Catholic Church has, over the years, distinguished itself as a vital partner in Ghana’s development through its immense contributions to education, healthcare, social services, and moral formation,” the President stated.

     

    ​A Legacy of Faith and Service

     

    ​The President extended a special message of gratitude to the outgoing Bishop, Most Rev. Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, for his decades of selfless service. He noted that Bishop Mante’s leadership had left an indelible legacy of faith and unity within the diocese and the nation at large.

     

    ​Turning his attention to the newly installed Bishop Appiah, President Mahama described the appointment as a testament to his humility and unwavering dedication to the work of God. He urged the new prelate to serve as a “moral compass” in an increasingly complex global landscape.

     

    ​“Ghana’s development is not built solely on political and economic structures but also on strong moral and spiritual foundations,” the President’s message read.

     

    ​A Shining Example of Harmony

     

    ​Beyond sectoral contributions, President Mahama highlighted the Catholic Church’s role in maintaining Ghana’s status as a beacon of religious tolerance. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering a climate where Christians, Muslims, and other faith groups work in tandem toward a common national goal.

     

    ​“Your appointment is a clear testament to your commitment to service,” the President told Bishop Appiah, adding that his leadership would have a far-reaching impact well beyond the walls of the church.

     

    ​Commitment to Peace and Justice

     

    ​The event also served as a platform for the government to reaffirm its dedication to social justice and unity. The President called on the Church to continue its advocacy for the vulnerable and to support government efforts in promoting peace.

     

    ​As the Jasikan Diocese begins a new chapter under Bishop Appiah, the presidency assured the Catholic community of continued collaboration, particularly in rural development and youth empowerment.

     

    ​Industry analysts and religious observers suggest that this strong show of state support reinforces the influential role religious institutions continue to play in Ghana’s socio-economic architecture as the nation navigates the challenges of 2026.

     

     

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  • National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving: Afriyie-Ankrah Pays Courtesy Call on Ga Mantse

    Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah in a pose with Ga Mantse at his Palace

     

    As part of preparations for the maiden celebration of Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, the National Planning Committee, led by its Chairman Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council.

    The visit aimed at officially informing His Royal Majesty about the upcoming national observance scheduled for 1st July, and to seek his royal blessings, guidance, and partnership.

    Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah at Ga Mantse Palace

    During the engagement, His Royal Majesty welcomed the initiative and commended the Committee for the vision behind the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. He, however, emphasized the importance of ensuring that Ghana’s traditional customs and practices are not left out of the national celebration. According to the Ga Mantse, these traditions play a critical role in preserving the identity and unity of both the Ga State and the nation as a whole, and he felt the Committee may have initially overlooked that.

    In response, Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah expressed his appreciation for the Ga Mantse’s counsel and assured him that the Committee would take the advice in good faith. He noted that since Ghana has diverse traditional practices, and given that chiefs are the custodians of these customs, the Committee has planned to invite traditional leaders from across the country to take part in the observance. Their presence and involvement will serve to represent the full spectrum of Ghana’s cultural and spiritual identity.

    Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah further assured that, as a Committee working under a national mandate, all feedback and recommendations from the Ga Mantse will be relayed to the appropriate appointing authorities for consideration and alignment.

    The visit forms part of the Committee’s broader stakeholder engagement with key religious and traditional leaders, to ensure inclusiveness, cultural relevance, and nationwide support for the 1st July National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.