His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson has called on Ghanaians to embrace a collective commitment to national renewal by drawing strength from the country’s past and taking shared responsibility for its future.
Addressing the nation during the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held on Tuesday, July 1, Cardinal Turkson underscored the importance of historical memory, civic engagement, and unity as Ghana navigates a critical juncture in its development.
Speaking before a diverse gathering of religious leaders, government officials, and thousands of citizens at the forecourt of the State House, the esteemed Catholic prelate emphasized that the burden of national transformation cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the President or political leadership.
“Transformation is not the duty of one person. It must be a shared duty, one that includes every Ghanaian committed to the common good,” he stated.
Reflecting on the day’s theme of unity and thanksgiving, Cardinal Turkson drew parallels between Ghana’s current circumstances and the ancient crossroads faced by the people of Israel in the Bible. He encouraged citizens to turn to their own national history for guidance and moral clarity in times of uncertainty.
“We often find ourselves at crossroads,” he said. “But like the Israelites, let us look to our past—both its triumphs and its missteps—to help us choose a path forward. It is in revisiting our history that we find the wisdom to correct our course.”
He cited Ghana’s early post-independence era as a period of ambitious national vision, referencing enduring ideals such as “Freedom and Justice” and landmark institutions like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), which symbolized the country’s pursuit of technological progress and educational excellence.
According to the Cardinal, these milestones offer valuable lessons for the present, reminding Ghanaians that sustainable development must be rooted in inclusive policies and a commitment to human dignity.
“There have been moments in our history that uplifted us—and others we would rather not repeat,” he noted. “But the value of revisiting the past lies in learning from it, so we can reset our priorities and promote the well-being of all.”
Cardinal Turkson’s sermon served as a moral and spiritual charge to the nation, urging citizens to move beyond partisanship, apathy, and division, and to reorient their focus toward shared responsibility, justice, and national cohesion.
The prayer service was part of Ghana’s Republic Day commemorations, providing a platform for reflection, repentance, and renewed commitment to nation-building.
Clergy from various faith traditions joined in prayers for peace, leadership, and healing, creating a unifying atmosphere of solemnity and hope.