National prayer, thanksgiving: DCE calls for unity for development

Mrs Margaret Naana Ackon, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa East, has called for unity and collective responsibility in driving development across the district.

Speaking at the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service at Gomoa Potsin, the DCE emphasised that, “unity is not just a nice idea but the foundation of development.”

She passionately urged residents in the District to use the occasion to set aside “petty divisions” and come together for the progress of Gomoa East.

Mrs Ackon encouraged the populace to support schools, respect traditional authorities, empower the youth, and protect the environment.

She said: “Development is not just the work of government alone; it is the collective effort of all of us. As DCE, I want to assure you of my continuous commitment to inclusive leadership and development that reaches every corner of this district.

“But I cannot do it alone. I need the support of our market women, families, religious leaders, traditional leaders, farmers, and artisans.”

Mrs Ackon pointed out that with unity, the community could reflect, reset and renew their commitment to development, not merely in words, but through meaningful action.

“As we celebrate today, let us also rededicate ourselves to building a Gomoa East we can all be proud of,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Omanhene of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Council, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobea II, expressed concern over Ghana’s increasing reliance on foreign loans, despite the country’s abundant natural resources.

The traditional leader criticised what he described as “excessive borrowing” from the international market, questioning why a resource-rich country should face such economic difficulties.

He criticised the previous administration, blaming it for subjecting Ghanaians to economic hardship over the past eight years.

Obrifo Ankobea, however, commended former President John Dramani Mahama for the rapid stabilisation of the economy within the first six months of his administration.

He also challenged claims made by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging them to stop “misleading Ghanaians” about stabilising the cedi-to-dollar exchange rate before leaving office.

On environmental matters, the Omanhene called for a change in mind-set, particularly regarding illegal mining (galamsey), sand winning and other negative environmental practices.

He emphasised that prayers alone were not enough if citizens continued to degrade the environment, stressing that development and divine intervention must go hand in hand with responsible environmental stewardship.

The event brought together religious leaders, traditional authorities, local officials, residents, and other stakeholders.

Source: GNA