President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on
Wednesday joined Ghanaians to fast, pray and seek the intervention of Almighty
God in the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
The President declared the spiritual exercise
during his third national address over the weekend to update the public on
measures taken to tackle the outbreak of the disease which has affected 132
people so far, with three deaths.
Over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo pleaded
with the public to pray and observe a national day of fasting on Wednesday,
March 25, whilst at the same time adhering to the measures outlined to curtail
the spread of COVID-19.
Christian
Support
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious
Affairs which is spearheading the spiritual exercise issued a guide for
Christians and Muslims with prayer points including thanksgiving for the peace of
the nation, prayer for forgiveness on behalf of the nation and the world at
large, and prayer for God’s intervention to stop this pandemic.
Other topics included prayer for protection of
the health professionals in Ghana and the world, and prayer that God will give
medics and scientists the needed wisdom and knowledge to develop vaccines that
can combat the coronavirus as soon as possible.
Muslim
Support
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu
Sharubutu, also declared two days of fasting for all Muslims across the
country.
The Chief Imam said Muslims were to observe the
fasting on Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chief Imam’s office said the declaration
was in line with Islamic doctrine and the directive by President Akufo-Addo.
“The National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu
wishes to draw the attention of all followers of the Islamic faith in Ghana
that the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has
declared Wednesday, March 25, 2020 as national day of fasting and prayer,” the statement said.
“ … Muslims of all sects are entreated to
support the presidential call … Beyond tomorrow’s (Wednesday) special national
fasting, the National Chief Imam has further urged Muslims to observe another
fast on Thursday, March 26.
“The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) used to fast on
Thursdays, and the Chief Imam said Thursday’s special fast would be in line
with the tradition of the prophet, as the nation takes steps and also prays to
God for a solution to the pandemic.
“Additionally, the National Chief Imam would
like to entreat Muslims of all denominations to fast on Thursday, March 26,
2020 in line with the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W),” the statement
said.
“It is important to note that the fasting to be
embarked upon on those two days is intended to enhance our collective spiritual
struggle to win the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 popularly known as coronavirus
… It is our hope that all will cooperate,” it added.
Radio
Programmes
On Wednesday, almost every radio and television station dedicated their platforms for prayers and worship and many people patronized such programmes.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
The post Ghana Turns To God In Covid-19 Crisis appeared first on DailyGuide Network.
