A member of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving (NDPT) Committee, Hajia Hanatu Abubakar-Bimi, has called on Ghanaians to embrace a national value reset as a critical step toward building a prosperous, disciplined and united nation.
Speaking at the media launch of the second edition of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving programme, Hajia Hanatu stressed that nation-building is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government and requires the active participation of individuals, families, communities, institutions and schools.
She noted that Ghana’s development challenges cannot be addressed solely through policies and programmes unless citizens deliberately transform the values that shape their attitudes, decisions and actions.
“The Ghana we want is not the sole responsibility of government. Nation-building is a shared responsibility across all levels of society,” she stated.
According to her, the country is grappling with declining integrity, growing indiscipline, lack of accountability, dishonesty, disrespect for human dignity, as well as increasing division and intolerance.
She explained that these challenges have made it necessary for Ghanaians to collectively recommit themselves to values that promote national development and social cohesion.
Hajia Hanatu outlined what she described as the “Value Reset Chain,” emphasizing that individuals, families, communities, schools, institutions and government all have interconnected roles in shaping the nation’s future.
She said personal transformation remains the foundation of national transformation, adding that families must nurture responsible citizens, communities must promote social responsibility, while institutions and schools should model ethical behaviour and uphold values-driven systems.
She identified righteousness, responsibility, respect for human dignity, integrity, innovation, discipline, honesty and unity for peaceful coexistence as the core national values needed to build a stronger Ghana.
According to her, these values influence habits, shape character, define culture and ultimately determine national identity.
Hajia Hanatu stressed that a Ghana built on integrity would reduce corruption, while responsibility would replace blame and apathy. She added that discipline would drive excellence, innovation would create opportunities, respect would strengthen relationships and unity would promote peace and development.
Drawing inspiration from both Christianity and Islam, she cited Romans 12:2 and Qur’an 13:11, noting that both scriptures emphasise personal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change.
She said the theme, “Resetting Our Values to Build the Ghana We Want,” serves as a clarion call for all Ghanaians to demonstrate these values through their daily conduct and interactions.
“By living these values through our actions, attitudes and conduct, we can restore trust, strengthen our nation and create a more prosperous future for all,” she said.
Hajia Hanatu urged citizens to collectively embrace the campaign’s message and work together to rebuild the nation, stressing that “The Ghana We Want begins with each of us.”
The National Prayer and Thanksgiving programme is expected to bring together people from diverse religious and social backgrounds to pray for national unity, peace and development while promoting shared values essential for Ghana’s progress.