Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson has urged Ghanaians to embrace a renewed sense of responsibility and solidarity, warning that unchecked greed and selfishness threaten the nation’s shared resources and the well-being of future generations.
Preaching at Ghana’s first National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra on Tuesday, July 1, Cardinal Turkson said the occasion must go beyond symbolic gestures and become a true turning point for moral courage and spiritual renewal.
“We gather for this sacred occasion not only to give thanks to God but under the theme of reflection, reset and renewal for national prosperity,” he said.
“These are not just words; they are a call to moral clarity, national courage, and spiritual awakening for fashioning a Ghana of opportunities for the inclusive well-being of all its children.”
A Call to Rediscover Righteous Paths
Drawing from scripture, the Cardinal likened Ghana’s current moment to the prophet Jeremiah’s call for the Israelites to “stand at a crossroads” and return to ancient, righteous paths. He reminded citizens that true prosperity must go beyond wealth and include access to food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and peace for every Ghanaian.
He warned against environmental degradation and cited the concept of the “tragedy of the commons” to illustrate the dangers of unchecked exploitation of shared national resources.
“In the Rift Valley, there’s a community that keeps common grazing land for all. But if someone brings too many cows or sheep, the land fails to serve everyone. That is the tragedy of the commons,” he explained.
“Here in Ghana, our land is rich and endowed. It must serve all, not be destroyed by greed.”
Consequences of Greed and Neglect
Cardinal Turkson noted that Ghana is already suffering the consequences of irresponsible exploitation.
“The Pra River no longer yields prawns and shrimps; children who swim in our rivers are exposed to cyanide and mercury. Our church hospitals see rising cases of birth deformities. These are the consequences of irresponsible exploitation,” he lamented.
He stressed that national transformation is not the task of the President alone, but a shared responsibility of all citizens.
“Whatever vision of Ghana we express, we must also know our place in that vision. We need virtuous Ghanaians who live for more than personal gain,” he said.
A Time To Reflect, Reset, And Renew
Reflecting on Ghana’s journey from independence to today, Cardinal Turkson called on citizens to draw inspiration from past ideals, including the national Coat of Arms and Kwame Nkrumah’s technological vision.
“To reflect is to see our blessings and our blind spots. To reset is to turn away from what destroys us—corruption, division, and exploitation. And to renew is to build a Ghana where every child can flourish,” he said.
Quoting from the Book of Jeremiah, he urged Ghanaians to stand at the crossroads, reflect on paths that once led to unity and progress, and boldly reclaim those values.
In closing, Cardinal Turkson called for a deep sense of fraternity among all Ghanaians and urged constant prayer for the nation, its leaders, and its people.
“Virtuous living is what we all need in this land to make everything work. You don’t need to be a priest or pastor; every Ghanaian must live responsibly and think of the common good,” he said.
“Let us reflect, reset, and renew, so Ghana can be a land of prosperous living for the well-being of all.”
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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