Prayer alone cannot transform an economy – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that while prayer is essential, it must be accompanied by hard work, discipline and responsible leadership to achieve national development.
Speaking at the National Day of Christian Prayer and Thanksgiving Service at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the President said Ghana’s progress has been driven by a combination of faith, responsible governance and the dedication of its citizens.
Quoting James 2:26, he said, “Faith without works is dead,” adding that “prayer without responsibility cannot transform an economy, and hope without discipline cannot create prosperity.”
President Mahama noted that throughout biblical history, God’s people combined faith with action, citing Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem through prayer and labour, and Joseph, who trusted God while planning wisely to prepare Egypt for years of famine.
Drawing parallels with Ghana’s development, he said the country’s progress had been made possible through the prayers of religious leaders, the wise counsel of traditional authorities, disciplined governance, and the sacrifices of hardworking citizens.
He commended public servants for implementing difficult reforms, teachers for shaping young minds, health workers for caring for the sick, farmers for feeding the nation, and entrepreneurs for continuing to invest despite economic uncertainty.
The President urged Ghanaians to continue pairing faith with responsibility and hard work to sustain the country’s development and prosperity.
