Let’s Build Bridges, Not Barriers--President Mahama Urges Ghanaians 

President John Dramani Mahama has called for national unity, urging Ghanaians to rise above tribal, religious, and political divisions that threaten the country’s cohesion and progress.

Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on Tuesday, July 1 2025, President Mahama emphasised the urgent need for citizens to foster togetherness and mutual respect as the nation seeks healing and transformation.

Themed; "Reflect,Reset and Review for National Prosperity, President Dramani Mahama stresed that “Let us remain vigilant against the voices of tribalism, the voices of religious extremism and against the poison of political division.

According to him, these are the seeds of division that we must never let take root in our precious nation, Ghana,” he declared.

He further encouraged Ghanaians to use words and actions that heal rather than harm, adding, “We must speak a language of peace, compassion, and mutual respect. 

He stressed that "We must build bridges, not barriers, for we are one people sharing one land and pursuing one identity and destiny.”

President Mahama also took the opportunity to reflect on leadership and accountability, stressing that public office is a sacred responsibility and not a privilege for personal enrichment.

“We must hold those in authority, including myself, accountable to the highest standards of integrity and humility. Public office is not a privilege for personal gain; it is a sacred trust bestowed by the people and a responsibility to serve all, especially the most vulnerable,” he said.

The renowned Ghanaian Clergyman, Eminence Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences of the Vatican served as the guest speaker in the Christian version of the event.

Addressing the gathering, the man of God urged Ghanaians to embrace a renewed sense of responsibility and solidarity.

He warning that unchecked greed and selfish gain threaten the nation’s shared resources and the well-being of future generations.

Preaching at Ghana’s first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra, Cardinal Turkson said the day must go beyond words and become a turning point for moral courage and spiritual renewal.

“We gather for this sacred occasion not only to give thanks to God but under the theme of reflection, reset and renewal for national prosperity,” he said.

“These are not just words, they are a call to moral clarity, national courage and spiritual awakening for fashioning a Ghana of opportunities for the inclusive well-being of all its children.”

Drawing from scripture, the Cardinal likened Ghana’s moment to the prophet Jeremiah’s call for the Israelites to “stand at a crossroads” and return to ancient, righteous paths. 

He reminded Ghanaians that true prosperity goes beyond wealth and must include access to food, water, shelter, healthcare, education and peace for every citizen.

Highlighting the consequences of environmental exploitation, he used the example of the “tragedy of the commons” — where shared resources are destroyed when people put individual gain above the collective good.

“In the Rift Valley, there’s a community that keeps common grazing land for all. But if someone brings too many cows or sheep, the land fails to serve everyone. That is the ‘tragedy of the commons’,” he explained.

“Here in Ghana, our land is rich and endowed. It must serve all, not be destroyed by greed.”

He warned that Ghana is already suffering the consequences of such greed.

“The Pra River no longer yields prawns and shrimps; children who swim in our rivers are exposed to cyanide and mercury. Our church hospitals see rising cases of birth deformities. These are the consequences of irresponsible exploitation,” he lamented.

Cardinal Turkson stressed that transforming the nation is not the task of the President alone, but of every Ghanaian.

“Whatever vision of Ghana we express, we must also know our place in that vision. We need virtuous Ghanaians who live for more than personal gain,” he said.

Reflecting on Ghana’s past, from its independence symbols like the Coat of Arms to Kwame Nkrumah’s bold technological vision, the Cardinal said the nation must draw lessons from its history to build a future that serves the common good.

“To reflect is to see our blessings and our blind spots. To reset is to turn away from what destroys us; corruption, division, and exploitation. And to renew is to build a Ghana where every child can flourish,” he said.

Quoting from the Book of Jeremiah, he urged citizens to stand at the “crossroads”, look back at paths that once led to progress and unity, and reclaim those values with courage.

Closing his message, Cardinal Turkson called for a deep sense of fraternity among Ghanaians, and constant prayer for the nation, its leaders and its people.

“Virtuous living is what we all need in this land to make everything work. You don’t need to be a priest or pastor; every Ghanaian must live responsibly and think of the common good,” he said.

“Let us reflect, reset and renew; so Ghana can be a land of prosperous living for the well-being of all.”

Pix:President John Dramani Mahama and renowned Ghanaian Clergyman, Eminence Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences of the Vatican