The Deputy General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has firmly rejected allegations that the recently observed National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day was intended as a cover-up for rising prices and impending tax hikes.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews monitored by Kumasimail, Gbande emphasized that the day is not a distraction from government responsibilities but rather a foundational step towards national unity and development.
The interview came after Haruna Mohammed, deputy General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggested that the prayer day was a strategic move to divert public attention from new taxes either introduced or planned by the government.
When asked about these claims, Gbande responded with calm assurance, quoting scripture to underscore the spiritual and moral grounding of the event.
“We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” Gbande said, adding, “When the righteous lead, the people rejoice.”
Gbande described the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day as a pivotal moment for Ghana, one that marks the beginning of a collective renewal of the national mindset essential for sustainable development.
He stressed that true progress requires transformation and righteousness, not mere political rhetoric.
“Today is a manifestation of a great day in our life where we have laid a solid foundation for national consensus through the renewal of the mind that begins our development process,” Gbande explained.
“You cannot develop if you don’t renew your mind. The Bible says we should not conform to the things of this world but be transformed and be righteous in everything that we do,” he added.
He highlighted the inclusive nature of the event, noting the participation of individuals from all political affiliations, civil service, and the media, all united in prayer and reflection.
Addressing comments made by the Archbishop Duncan Williams about political manifestos and national development agendas, Gbande argued that the prayer day itself represents a superior form of national development.
“There is no national development agenda better than what has happened today where politicians, civil servants, journalists, and all people have converged as a country to apply our hearts to God, to ask for wisdom, knowledge, and direction,” he stated.
Gbande was clear that the day of prayer is not a substitute for governmental accountability.
He contrasted the current administration’s approach with past leadership, which he accused of corruption and mismanagement.
“National prayer and thanksgiving day doesn’t sacrifice responsibility. It’s not a substitute for national responsibility,” he said, recalling the previous government’s failed attempts at projects like the cathedral, which he claimed led to fraud and poor governance.
“In the past we have remembered a bunch of old men who have paraded themselves led by President Akufo-Addo. They have tried to build a cathedral but that led us to fraudulency because they didn’t have national responsibility.”
He praised President John Dramani Mahama for bringing the nation together in prayer and expressed optimism that this spiritual renewal will translate into tangible benefits for all Ghanaians.
“Today, young President John Dramani Mahama have brought all persons for us to pray to God, good things would happen. Our quest is to ensure or to expect that all Ghanaians will see the dividends of solid and good governance. That all Ghanaians will have to live in peace. That all Ghanaians would have food on their table.”
Mustapha Gbande concluded by expressing hope that the prayer day would mark a turning point for Ghana, moving away from the hardships experienced under the previous administration.
“This is a rare resetting of this country from the calamities inflicted upon us by President Akufo-Addo and his gang,” Gbande asserted.
“We are renewing our minds, refreshing our hearts, and applying ourselves to God for more direction, deeper understanding, knowledge, and national consensus.”
He wished the President a long and prosperous life, guided by wisdom and divine insight to uplift Ghana’s children and youth and to foster national development.
“That His Excellency the President will live a long life and will live in good life with a renewal of the mind, with wisdom and guidance by God, to do that which will help a Ghanaian child, to do that which will salvage a Ghanaian youth, to do that which will develop this country for all of us,” he concluded.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
