The Apostolic Fathers, a group of renowned Christian leaders, led by the Founder of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has presented a nine-point proposal for national development to the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, for his consideration.
The proposal presented to the President-elect last Monday outlined several key areas of collaboration. These included tackling poverty and unemployment, improving healthcare delivery, promoting national peace and social cohesion, supporting education through mission schools, and offering tax incentives for corporate social responsibility.
They are also urging a swift implementation of Mr Mahama's 120-Day Social Contract, which includes initiatives such as Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) to combat corruption and address the pressing issue of illegal mining, also known as Galamsey.
Additionally, the Apostolic Fathers have proposed allocating community-designated spaces for churches and establishing a National Day of Prayer to promote unity and spiritual reflection.
Members of the delegation included Bishop Dr Gideon Titi-Ofei, the President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Dr Lawrence Tetteh; the General Overseer, Word of Life Christian Centre, Rev Dr Isaac Quaye, and the Apostle General of the Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams led the group to pray for the President-elect, touching on several prayer points.
"We know God will guide you, preserve you, and give you what it takes to move this nation, according to his mandate, to where he wants to take this nation," he said.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams added, “We want to pray and believe that in your term of office, the negative narratives that have plagued the governments of this country will change and we will see a new and beautiful government."
Archbishop Duncan-Williams congratulated the President-elect on his victory in the election on December 7 and assured him of the group’s support.
“We commend your vision for national renewal and inclusive governance,” he said.
He said as partners in Ghana's progress, the Church had long contributed to education, health, social welfare, and the spiritual development of citizens.
The President-elect, who was full of gratitude for the visit and prayers, said it had been evident that Ghana was crying for a reset looking at the outcome of the election.
He cited the collapse of businesses, growing disillusionment among young people, and loss of faith in the nation's democracy as some of the crises that must be addressed urgently.
Mr Mahama said recent security briefings showed that the security situation remained a significant concern, both internally and externally, and urgent measures were needed to protect the nation.
"At several international conferences I attended, people were deeply concerned about what was happening to Ghana,” he said.
Mr Mahama expressed gratitude to Archbishop Duncan-Williams and all the Apostolic Fathers for their prayer support for him.
"I want to express my gratitude for the guidance and counsel you provided during my time in opposition.
"The responsibility has been placed on me to chart this new course. I pray that God grants us the spirit of unity to work together and move Ghana forward," Mr Mahama said.
President-elect Mahama also met with the leadership of the Chamber of Technology last Monday and pledged to support the growth of Ghana's fintech industry, declaring himself an "ambassador" of the sector.
Mr Mahama emphasised his commitment to reforming regulations to foster innovation and collaboration.
"We will not work for you, but work with you," Mr Mahama assured the gathering, which included leaders of the chamber such as Kofi Owusu, Ethel Cofie and Andy Sennah Tay.
"I will consider what can make a real impact. Let's hit the grounds running after January 7,” he said.