Traditional religious leaders deserve a place at National Day of Prayer - Priest

Respected traditional priest, Numo Kofi Okassa Diaka II, has called on the Government of Ghana to officially include Traditional Religious leaders in the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, describing their continued exclusion as inconsistent with the spirit of national unity, religious equality, and cultural inclusiveness.

Speaking ahead of this year's national observance, he noted that although the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving was established to bring all Ghanaians together in prayer for peace, unity and national development, the programme has consistently featured Christian and Muslim leaders without any formal participation by representatives of Ghana's Traditional Religion.

According to Numo Kofi Okassa Diaka II, this omission does not reflect Ghana's religious diversity or the country's rich indigenous spiritual heritage.

He explained that Traditional Religion is the oldest organised system of worship in the land now known as Ghana and has, for generations, played a central role in shaping the nation's customs, chieftaincy institutions, festivals, moral values, conflict-resolution mechanisms, and respect for nature.

He observed that long before the arrival of Christianity and Islam, Ghanaian communities relied on Traditional Religion for spiritual guidance, justice, thanksgiving, reconciliation, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. He added that many of the country's cultural institutions and sacred traditions continue to derive their legitimacy and identity from these indigenous beliefs.

"A National Day of Prayer should truly represent the spiritual diversity of our nation. If the objective is to seek divine guidance and blessings for Ghana, then every recognised faith should have the opportunity to participate.

"Traditional Religion has always prayed for the peace, protection, prosperity, and unity of this nation. Our exclusion from such an important national event undermines the principle of inclusiveness that Ghana stands for."

He stressed that his appeal is not intended to elevate one religion above another or diminish the important contributions of Christianity and Islam. Rather, he said, it is a call for fairness, mutual respect and equal recognition of all recognised faiths in accordance with the values of the Constitution and the ideals of national cohesion.

Numo Kofi Okassa Diaka II therefore appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the National Peace Council, the National House of Chiefs, and all relevant state institutions to institutionalise the participation of Traditional Religious leaders in future National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving celebrations.

He further encouraged the government, religious bodies, traditional authorities, and civil society organisations to deepen interfaith dialogue and cooperation, recognising that Ghana's strength lies in its diversity and the mutual respect among all faith communities.

He concluded by stating that a truly national observance must reflect the spiritual, historical, and cultural identity of all Ghanaians.

"National unity is strengthened when every recognised faith is respected, acknowledged, and given an equal opportunity to contribute to the spiritual well-being of our nation. Ghana belongs to all of us, and our National Day of Prayer should reflect that reality."

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