President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that while prayer and faith remain important pillars of national life, they must be complemented by hard work, discipline and responsibility if Ghana is to achieve sustainable development and economic prosperity.
The President made the remarks during the 2026 National Day of Prayer held in Accra on Wednesday, July 1, where political leaders, clergy, traditional authorities and citizens gathered to pray for peace, unity and the continued progress of the country.
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to embrace a strong work ethic and actively contribute to national development, stating that the country’s aspirations for growth and transformation can only be achieved through a combination of faith and purposeful action.
According to him, every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to nation-building by demonstrating commitment, diligence and discipline in their homes, workplaces and communities rather than relying solely on prayer.
Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the President emphasised that genuine faith must be matched with practical action to produce meaningful results.
“Our national journey reminds us of an enduring truth: ‘Faith without works is dead,’ says James 2:26. Prayer without responsibility cannot transform an economy, and hope without discipline cannot create prosperity,” he stated.
He further cited biblical examples to illustrate the importance of combining faith with action, noting that when Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, the people prayed while working diligently, and when Joseph prepared Egypt for years of famine, he combined faith with careful planning and wise leadership.
President Mahama said Ghana’s progress depends not only on the prayers of its people but also on their collective commitment to hard work, accountability and responsible citizenship.
