The Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has underscored the indispensable role of divine intervention and national gratitude in sustaining Ghana’s democratic stability and economic progress.
Speaking to the media during the 18th edition of the Unity Oil Annual Thanksgiving Service held at Abramkese last Friday, Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah delivered a poignant address that balanced spiritual reflection with a call for national unity.
The event, hosted by the CEO of Unity Group of Companies, Dr. Kwame Kyei, brought together religious leaders, traditional authorities, and citizens to offer thanks for the nation’s journey.
Representing the President of the Republic, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah began by conveying warm fraternal greetings to the leadership and staff of Unity Oil.
He lauded Dr. Kwame Kyei for his unwavering commitment to the annual tradition, noting that sustaining such a spiritual exercise for nearly two decades is a testament to the organization’s foundational values.
“The President recognizes and commends the consistent dedication shown by Dr. Kwame Kyei and the entire Unity Oil team,” Mr Ankrah stated.
“To reach the 18th milestone of gathering people to thank the Almighty is no small feat. It reflects a heart that understands where its true help comes from.”
A central theme of Mr. Ankrah’s address was the limitation of human strength in the face of modern challenges. He reminded the gathering that while hard work and strategic planning are essential, they are ultimately insufficient without the “breath of God.”
He argued that thanksgiving acts as a spiritual catalyst, “empowering and strengthening” individuals and institutions to ascend to their next level of success.
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah emphasized that all technical knowledge and entrepreneurial power are gifts from the Creator, which must be acknowledged to ensure longevity and impact.
In a sobering reflection on the current state of the West African sub-region, the Presidential Envoy highlighted Ghana’s unique status as a beacon of peace. He contrasted the nation’s relative stability with the political and social turmoil currently affecting neighboring countries.
“We look around us in the sub-region and see the challenges others are facing,” he noted. “Ghana’s peace is not a result of our own superiority or intelligence. It is a product of the Grace of God, the persistent prayers of the saints, and the visionary leadership that prioritizes the collective good over individual gain.”
Concluding his address, Hon. Afriyie Ankrah urged Ghanaians to adopt a lifestyle of gratitude as the nation moves forward. He suggested that the “Unity Oil model” of public thanksgiving should serve as an inspiration for other corporate bodies and the citizenry at large.
The 18th Annual Thanksgiving Service concluded with intensive prayers for the nation, the business community, and the continued prosperity of the people of Abramkese and the wider Ashanti Region.
