President John Dramani Mahama has called for integrity in public life and credited Ghana’s continued peace to the prayers of its citizens, rather than government policy alone.

He made the remarks on Tuesday, July 1, during a Christian service held at the forecourt of the State House to mark the country’s first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

The event, which coincided with Republic Day, brought together Christian leaders, political authorities, and traditional rulers for a national moment of reflection.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Mahama said public office must never be treated as an opportunity for personal gain, but as a duty to serve all Ghanaians, especially the vulnerable.

“Even the office of the President, which by the grace of God I now hold, is not above the law,” he said. “If we want a just Ghana, we must be just in leadership.”

Mr Mahama added that a country’s greatness should be measured not only by economic growth or physical development, but also by values such as honesty, compassion, discipline, and sacrifice.

He also said Ghana’s peace cannot be attributed only to democratic institutions or political stability, but to the continued prayers and intercession of religious communities.

“Our peace is not simply the product of sound policy or political will,” he said. “It is the result of prayer. It is the fruit of faithful believers who have persistently interceded for the soul of our nation.”

Mr Mahama warned against complacency and urged Ghanaians to reject attempts to stoke division along tribal, religious, or partisan lines.

He praised the country’s record of religious tolerance, noting that churches and mosques continue to coexist peacefully, contributing to national cohesion.

Also present at the service were Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, First Lady Lordina Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, the acting Chief Justice, members of the Council of State, security service heads, and representatives of the Christian community.

Mr Mahama acknowledged the role of religious leaders in helping to shape the country’s moral direction.

He mentioned the Assemblies of God, Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Christian Council, and the Pentecostal and Charismatic Council for their efforts in guiding national conversations.

He ended with a message of hope, expressing confidence in the country’s future and stating that the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving would remain a spiritual milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey.