The Republic of Ghana will solemnly observe a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, an initiative led by the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, as a symbolic and substantive call to spiritual reflection, national gratitude, and renewed unity. The occasion, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of Ghana attaining republican status will be commemorated across all 16 regions and 261 districts, uniting the nation under one collective spiritual canopy.

The announcement was formally made during a high-level engagement between the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day Planning Committee and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Committee to brief the Minister on preparatory progress and to reaffirm the national vision underpinning the initiative.

Speaking at the engagement, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim underscored the profound spiritual and civic significance of the observance. Drawing inspiration from scriptural principles and historical precedent, the Minister highlighted the transformative power of collective faith, the enduring relevance of divine providence in leadership, and the imperative for national unity in navigating times of change.

    “When a nation pauses to acknowledge the hand of the Almighty in its journey, it opens itself up to restoration, wisdom, and purpose,” the Minister remarked. “This is not just a ceremonial gathering, it is a solemn spiritual reawakening and a shared reaffirmation of our covenant with destiny.”

Reiterating the Ministry’s full endorsement, the Minister called on Ghanaians from all walks of life across faiths, ethnic lines, and political persuasions to approach the day with reverence, sincerity, and a spirit of national solidarity. He urged religious and traditional leaders to play pivotal roles in mobilising citizens toward what he described as “a sacred encounter with the soul of the nation.”

Reflecting on Ghana’s recent political transition in December 2024, which was widely hailed as peaceful and exemplary, the Minister attributed the nation’s stability to divine favour and the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions. He noted that Ghana continues to be a shining light of peace and constitutional order within the West African sub-region, and called on citizens to remain vigilant, prayerful, and united.

Chairman of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day Planning Committee, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, expressed profound appreciation for the Minister’s support and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to delivering a nationally inclusive, spiritually enriching, and administratively seamless observance.

Themed “Reflect, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity,” this year’s event aims to inspire introspection on both individual and national levels, encouraging citizens to assess their personal and collective journeys, renew their dedication to Ghana’s development, and collectively pursue the path of peace, progress, and shared prosperity.

Hon. Ankrah emphasized that the Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving transcends religious affiliation or doctrinal boundaries. “This is a national moment of pause and purpose; open to every Ghanaian, regardless of religious or cultural heritage,” he stated. “Our aim is to foster a deeply spiritual atmosphere that transcends partisanship and consumerism, anchoring the nation in values that bind rather than divide.”

Planning activities are already underway across regional and district capitals, with religious bodies, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and political leaders all expected to lend their voices and presence to the day’s observances. The Committee and the Ministry have jointly cautioned against the politicisation or commercial exploitation of the event, insisting that it be preserved as a sacred national ritual of gratitude and hope.

As Ghana prepares to mark this milestone, the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is poised to become a cornerstone of the national calendar, a symbolic reckoning with the past, a strengthening of the present, and a spiritual invocation for the nation’s future.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamaoh

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

SIC Financial Services has proposed the introduction of a Group Personal Pension Scheme (GPPS) specifically designed for Assembly Members, in a bid to improve their long-term financial security and embed a structured culture of retirement savings within local governance. The proposal was formally presented during a strategic engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA).

The Ministry, recognising the relevance and timeliness of the initiative, listened attentively and engaged closely with SIC officials. The Ministry encouraged further dialogue and consultations, especially with Assembly Members themselves, their collective groupings, and relevant association leadership. This, the Ministry believes, is key to ensuring the scheme’s design and implementation respond directly to the lived realities of local representatives across the country.

The proposal outlines a system where Assembly Members would contribute between five and ten per cent of their monthly allowances into a pension fund, aligned with the third-tier structure of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). With approximately 77 per cent of Ghana’s economy comprising informal sector workers, many of whom serve as Assembly or Unit Committee Members, this proposed scheme is positioned to bring long-overdue pension coverage to a largely unprotected segment.

An integral part of SIC’s proposal also includes a life insurance policy that would provide financial support to the families of Assembly Members who pass away while in office. This additional protection seeks to lessen the burden on families and reduce the reliance on limited local government resources during times of grief.

The overarching objective is to promote financial independence and peace of mind for Assembly Members, ensuring they can serve their communities with dedication and a sense of security. The Ministry expressed appreciation for the forward-thinking proposal and reiterated its commitment to work with key stakeholders, including the NPRA and licensed pension fund managers to examine the framework and potential modalities for implementation.

If adopted, the scheme will be rolled out with an initial sensitisation campaign to educate Assembly Members on the benefits, registration processes, and expectations. Enrolment will involve capturing essential personal and beneficiary details, followed by monthly deductions and contribution tracking through direct notifications.

To guarantee sustainability and transparency, a Board of Trustees will be established to supervise the scheme, and quarterly monitoring sessions will be held to review progress and make necessary adjustments.

This development marks a promising step towards enhancing social protection for Ghana’s local government actors. It also reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment where innovative partnerships can lead to meaningful, people-centred governance solutions.

Source: Matilda Tettey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), together with its national and international partners, has officially marked the completion of Phase One of the LoCAL-ACE Project during a Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting held on the GrEEn and LoCAL-ACE Projects.

The meeting served as a platform to reflect on the project’s implementation since its launch in 2023 across 13 districts. The LoCAL-ACE Project, designed to strengthen climate resilience at the local level—was implemented with support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the NDPC, EPA, and Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs).

Through the project, GHS 1,396,476.00 was disbursed to finance community-led climate adaptation activities, focusing on green jobs and sustainable agriculture. A key highlight was the Cash for Work (CfW) programme, which engaged over 500 beneficiaries between July and August 2023, providing income support while promoting environmental sustainability.

Throughout the project period, the Ministry conducted regular monitoring visits, internal audits, and performance assessments to ensure transparency and accountability across the 13 Municipal and District Assemblies (M/DAs). Strategic engagements such as Project Steering Committee meetings, technical sessions, and a Needs Assessment Validation Workshop guided the process.

The TWG meeting also reviewed key milestones, including the successful handover of third-cycle sub-projects and the graduation of GrEEn Project beneficiaries in August 2024. The Project Closing and Knowledge Sharing Event held in November 2024 was highlighted as a major achievement, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect, share lessons, and chart the path forward.

The project has drawn international interest, with the Royal Norwegian Embassy conducting a field visit in June 2024 to observe progress on the ground.

While challenges such as delayed reporting, funding gaps, limited private sector participation, and communication breakdowns were acknowledged, the Ministry assured that these are being addressed through improved coordination and planning.

As discussions at the TWG meeting turned to the future, preparations for Phase Two were emphasized. The next phase will focus on building district-level capacity, onboarding new Chief Executives, developing climate investment plans, and refining the performance-based financing model. Digital tools like the Digital Development Data Platform(DDDP) will be central to performance tracking and effective resource use.

LoCAL-ACE continues to stand out as a model of climate-smart local development. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and resilient local economies, ensuring no community is left behind in Ghana’s green development agenda.

Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)