- Cardinal Turkson urges Ghanaians to embrace reflection, reset, and renewal for national prosperity
- Greed and selfishness threaten shared resources and future generations
- Pollution and exploitation harming rivers, health, and livelihoods
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson has called on Ghanaians to embrace a renewed sense of moral responsibility, unity, and stewardship, warning that unchecked greed and selfishness are jeopardizing the country’s shared resources and the future well-being of its citizens.
Speaking at Ghana’s first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra on Tuesday, July 1, the Cardinal emphasized that the event should mark more than a symbolic occasion—it should serve as a turning point toward spiritual revival and ethical reform.
“We gather not just to give thanks, but under the theme of reflection, reset, and renewal for national prosperity,” he said. “These words are a call to moral clarity, courage, and spiritual awakening for building a Ghana of opportunity for all.”
A Call to Return to Righteous Paths
Referencing the prophet Jeremiah, Cardinal Turkson urged Ghanaians to “stand at the crossroads” and choose the paths of justice, compassion, and sustainability. He stressed that genuine prosperity includes not only economic growth, but access to essential services—food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, education, and peace—for every citizen.
To illustrate the danger of unchecked exploitation, he cited the “tragedy of the commons,” using the example of shared grazing lands in Africa’s Rift Valley that fail when overused by a few.
“Ghana is richly endowed, but this wealth must serve all—not be depleted by greed,” he warned.
The Cost of Neglect and Exploitation
Cardinal Turkson expressed deep concern over the consequences of environmental degradation and irresponsible practices in Ghana:
“The Pra River no longer yields prawns and shrimps. Children swimming in our rivers are exposed to cyanide and mercury. Our church hospitals are seeing rising cases of birth defects—these are the direct results of reckless exploitation.”
He emphasized that building a better nation is not the President’s burden alone but a shared national duty:
“Whatever vision we have for Ghana, we must each find our role in it. We need citizens guided by virtue, not selfish ambition.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s Journey
Reflecting on the country’s history from independence to the present, he urged citizens to revisit foundational values like those found in Ghana’s Coat of Arms and Nkrumah’s aspirations for technological advancement.
“To reflect is to recognize both our blessings and our blind spots. To reset means turning away from corruption, division, and greed. To renew is to create a Ghana where every child can thrive.”
A Nation Built on Virtue and Solidarity
He concluded with a powerful call for national fraternity and responsible citizenship:
“You don’t need to be a priest or pastor to live virtuously. Every Ghanaian must think beyond personal gain and act for the common good. Let us reflect, reset, and renew—so Ghana can become a land of prosperity for all.”
