Mahama Urges Prayers for Ghana as Bishop Appiah Is Installed in Jasikan

Mahama Urges Prayers for Ghana as Bishop Appiah Is Installed in Jasikan

Faith, Hope and Recovery: Mahama Speaks at Bishop Appiah Installation

Pres. Mahama Highlights Faith and Economic Hope at Jasikan Ordination

By Emmanuel Austin Baah

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations,Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, has conveyed warm congratulations to the Catholic Dioceses of Jasikan following the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Simon Kofi Appiah as its new Bishop.

Delivering a speech at the solemn and historic ceremony, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah described the occasion as not only a significant ecclesiastical milestone but also a moment of profound national importance. He noted that the installation represents continuity in leadership, renewal in faith, and a reaffirmation of the enduring role of the Church in Ghana’s development.

“The Catholic Church has, over the years, distinguished itself as a vital partner in Ghana’s national progress,” he stated. “Through its contributions to education, healthcare, social services and moral formation, the Church has helped shape generations and build communities grounded in discipline, compassion and service.”

The event, attended by senior clergy, government officials, traditional leaders and members of the Christian community, underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the Church and the State. Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah emphasised that Ghana’s progress is not driven solely by economic or political structures, but also by strong moral and spiritual foundations.

He further highlighted the critical role of the Church in promoting peace, unity and social justice, especially in an increasingly complex global environment. According to him, religious institutions continue to provide hope in times of uncertainty and direction in moments of national and personal difficulty.

In acknowledging the responsibilities that come with his new office, the Presidential Envoy urged Bishop Appiah to serve not only as a spiritual shepherd but also as a moral compass whose leadership would resonate beyond the Church into wider society. “Your voice,pacted ership and example will have far-reaching impact across the nation,” he remarked.

Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah also used the occasion to commend the outgoing Bishop, Most Reverend Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, for his dedicated and selfless service to the Diocese, noting that his legacy has laid a strong foundation for continued growth.

Beyond the ceremony, the Presidential Envoy made a passionate appeal to churches across the country to intensify prayers for Ghana, particularly ahead of the upcoming national thanksgiving activities in July.

“We urge the Church and all believers to continue praying fervently for Ghana, especially as we approach the national thanksgiving celebration in July,” Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah stated. “We believe that through prayer, the Lord will continue to guide and restore our economy.”

He expressed optimism about the country’s economic trajectory, noting that measures introduced by the John Dramani Mahama-led administration are beginning to yield positive results.

“The policies being implemented are gradually placing Ghana’s economy on a stronger path, restoring confidence among foreign investors and local entrepreneurs,” he said. “This renewed confidence is a clear sign that God continues to listen to the prayers of Ghanaians.”

According to him, there are strong indications that the nation will experience further economic stabilisation before the end of the year.

“By the close of this year, we expect to see a significant boost in economic stability, and an improvement in the living conditions of our people,” he added. “However, we must all be prepared to make small sacrifices as we work collectively towards the greater good and the brighter future ahead.”

He encouraged citizens to remain patient and united, stressing that national development requires shared responsibility and commitment.

Expanding his call beyond Ghana, Afriyie-Ankrah urged continuous prayers for global peace, citing rising tensional in parts of the world, including developments involving United States and the Middle East.

“As a people, we cannot afford to stop praying—not only for Ghana but for the world at large,” he said. “What is happening across the globe reminds us that God is the giver of peace, and without peace, there can be no meaningful development.”

The government, he affirmed, remains committed to a strengthening collaboration with faith-based institutions in advancing national development, social cohesion and peacebuilding efforts. He described Ghana as a shining example of religious tolerance, where Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths continue to coexist peacefully.

As Bishop Appiah assumes leadership, expectations are high that he will build on the Diocese’s strong foundation by fostering dialogue, guiding the youth, strengthening families and promoting ethical leadership across communities.
Concluding his address, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with the Catholic Church and other religious bodies to advance peace, unity and inclusive development across the country.

“Leadership, whether spiritual or temporal, is ultimately about service,” he said. “It is about lifting others, building communities and leaving a legacy that outlives us.”

The ceremony ended on a note of unity and national pride, with prayers offered for the Church, the Diocese of Jasikan, and Ghana as a whole.