The Afrikania Mission, a prominent advocate for African Traditional Religion in Ghana, has voiced strong disappointment over its exclusion from the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day held on July 1, 2025.
While Christian and Islamic leaders led state-recognized prayers, the Afrikania Mission was reportedly not invited to participate in any of the official ceremonies. This omission has sparked conversations about religious inclusivity and the recognition of indigenous faiths in national events.
The Christian service took place at the Jubilee House forecourt, led by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson. Meanwhile, the Islamic service was held at the Ghana National Mosque in Kanda, headed by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.
Earlier this year, President John Dramani Mahama declared July 1—traditionally observed as Republic Day—as Ghana’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. The president described the initiative as a celebration of Ghana’s religious harmony and a moment for national spiritual reflection.
In an interview, Nufialega Mawufemor Kwabla Nonyigbe, Acting Research Officer of Afrikania Mission, shared the group’s discontent:
“Honestly, we are not happy with what happened. In a nation where there are three main religions, it is disheartening that only two were recognised, and we were excluded.”
He added that African Traditional Religion should not only be acknowledged but given prominence as the indigenous belief system of Ghana.
Despite the setback, the Afrikania Mission held a separate prayer and thanksgiving ceremony at its headquarters in Klikor. According to the Mission, the event aimed to uphold their spiritual responsibilities and honor the day in alignment with their customs.
The Afrikania Mission has announced its intention to formally petition the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism.
“We are going to send a strong message… We will petition them and ensure that we are recognised in subsequent editions,” Nonyigbe emphasized.
This development reignites the ongoing debate on religious representation in Ghana, especially during state-sponsored events. Advocates for traditional religion argue that without inclusive practices, Ghana risks sidelining its cultural and spiritual heritage.
As Ghana continues to promote unity and diversity, voices like the Afrikania Mission remind the nation of the need for balanced religious representation—ensuring that African Traditional Religion is not left behind in the country’s spiritual and cultural narrative.