Sunday, July 1st marked the 52nd Republic Day Anniversary of Ghana and Ghanaians marked the occasion with a special thanksgiving church service in Charlottesville in the USA. The Church service which was held at the Church of Pentecost, Charlottesville Assembly, was attended by members of the Ghana Association of Charlottesville and other African citizens.

Preaching the sermon on the topic, “Standing Tall in a Strange Land”, the District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, Rev. Johnny Ansah said political power is no power and that true power is the Kingdom of God. He added that when Jesus rules the heart, mankind attains true independence.

He continued that life on this earth is temporary and that we are spiritual immigrants on this earth but true citizenship is in heaven. “Christ died for mankind to accept the righteousness of God. Let our words be words that bring hope to people not to destroy them”, he continued. Rev. Ansah urged Christians to continue to pray for peace to always prevail in Ghana for Ghana to become the nation God has destined it to be. “Let us also pray for peaceful elections in Ghana in December this year and that the will of God must reign in the elections for Ghanaians to elect leaders who have foresight and bring great reforms to the nation” he added. “On the occasion of the 52nd Republic Day Anniversary of Ghana, let us also pray for the President of Ghana and wish him well. Let us give him the respect he deserves because it is God that has put him there as President”, Rev. Ansah entreated all Ghanaians.

Rev. Ansah again implored Ghanaians living abroad not to lose their original identity as Ghanaians, adding that Ghana has good values that must be cherished and that “we should give honour and respect for authority”.

He also challenged Ghanaian parents living abroad with their children to teach them morals and great values of Ghana.

Rev. Ansah later led the Ghanaians among the congregation to sing Ghana’s national anthem and patriotic song, “Yen ara ye asasse ni”. The chairman of the Ghana Association of Charlottesville, Nana Akyeampong-Ghartey, urged Ghanaians abroad to always remember to extend a hand of assistance to Ghanaians back home in Ghana. He also used the occasion to invite all Ghanaians in the Charlottesville area who have not yet joined the Association to do so.

Later, members of the Ghana Association of Charlottesville and invited guests gathered at the Washington Park in Charlottesville to have fun as part of activities marking the 52nd Republic Day Anniversary of Ghana.

By Augustine Arthur, Charlottesville, USA