Ministers must work in harmony with the President – Cardinal Turkson

 

His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences, has urged Ghanaian clergy and government appointees to foster unity and work in alignment with President John Dramani Mahama to advance the nation’s development goals.

Cardinal Turkson made the call during an appearance on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV on Monday, July 7. His remarks followed the successful observance of the inaugural National Day of Prayer on July 1 — an initiative introduced by President Mahama to encourage spiritual reflection, national cohesion, and renewed hope amid Ghana’s ongoing economic and social challenges.

The National Day of Prayer brought together religious leaders, political figures, civil society groups, and members of the public for interfaith prayers centered on peace, moral renewal, economic recovery, and unity. While a Christian interdenominational service was held at the State House forecourt, a Muslim prayer session took place at the National Mosque in Accra.

Reflecting on the role of religious and political leaders during the 2024 election season, Cardinal Turkson emphasized the importance of synergy and mutual support in governance.

“For me, it was important to recognise that all the team that helped the President to do all of this [the National Day of Prayer], must recognise their own unity with the President,” he said.

He went on to stress that both clergy and government appointees must see their work as connected to the broader vision of the President in order to ensure coherence and progress.

“Ministers [clergy] must recognise that what they do attains meaning and significance only in relationship with the leader [Mahama]. We do this by sharing in his spirit,” Cardinal Turkson noted.

“There must be harmony, communication — whatever adjective you want to use. That union must be there. It’s not each one going his way, otherwise it’s not a united form of governance.”

Cardinal Turkson’s remarks add to the growing discourse on collaborative leadership, especially as the country navigates post-election recovery and seeks lasting unity. His call echoes a broader appeal for a collective and harmonized approach to governance, with faith leaders and government officials playing a joint role in Ghana’s future.