The seat of government was literally moved to the Ridge Church in Accra yesterday when a thanksgiving service for the newly-elected presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, attracted movers and shakers in government including President John Agyekum Kufuor. The roll call was long, but contained who is who in NPP government and party circles.

In attendance were Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani; Minister of National Security, Francis Poku; Minister of Defence, Albert Kan Dapaah; Minister of the Interior, Kwamena Bartels; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akwasi Osei-Adjei; Minister of Employment and Manpower Development, Nana Akomea; and Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Joe Ghartey, among other high-profile ministers, who all came to show their support for the NPP’s new kid on the block.

With the exception of Vice President Aliu Mahama who was represented by his wife, Hajia Ramatu Mahama, the other presidential aspirants showed up with their wives to show solidarity with the flagbearer.

The church service, organized to thank God for a successful congress, was presided over by the Anglican Bishop of the Province of West Africa, Archbishop Justice Akrofi and other senior priests of the Ridge Church, an interdenominational church.

Also in attendance was Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church and a Member of the Council of State, Most Rev Samuel Asante-Antwi.

Even though Nana was born into a Presbyterian home, he worships with the Anglican Communion. The party leadership was led by National Chairman, Peter Mac Manu, who pointed out that the task ahead of the party demanded closing of ranks.

According to Mr Mac Manu, the congress threw up a lot of challenges but with commitment and dedication, the party succeeded in coming out more united. He acknowledged that the road to the Castle may be rough. “It would be a difficult road to travel, but with unity, victory shall surely be ours,” he stressed.

He called on the rank and file to close their ranks and forge ahead in unity to ensure a third successive electoral victory for the party. The party would be going into the December 7 electoral duel with incumbency advantage, having dislodged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Castle in the 2000 elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo, who paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, conceded that he was stepping into very mighty boots.

However, he said he would do everything within his power not to betray the trust reposed in him.

Nana Akufo-Addo, who was obviously elated, assured President Kufuor of his loyalty to his government; “The President should count on me as a reliable and faithful partner.” He expressed his gratitude to party members for giving him the mandate to lead them, and was equally happy for the support received from other aspirants, after what he described as a “fierce contest”.

The first reading from the Book of Psalms 34:1-8 was taken by Nana Akufo-Addo, while Alan Kyerematen, who was the runner-up at the NPP congress, took the second reading from Psalm 103:1-5. The NPP flagbearer noted that even though it had been his long term ambition to lead the party and the country, often times, he had expressed reservation about realizing it.

But with the mandate handed over to him, he believed the coast was now clear for his presidency. “Next time when we meet here, you would call me President Akufo-Addo,” he jokingly told the gathering amidst the shout of “Amen”.

Delivering the sermon, Venerable J.L. Lamptey asked the presidential candidate to seek the face of God first before starting his political campaign, since all power belongs to God.

Venerable Lamptey expressed his conviction that Nana Akufo-Addo would be a successful leader because of his solid Christian background. “He will bring to the Presidency the fear of God,” the Reverend Minister said, and asked Nana to make personal sacrifices so that the broad masses of the country would enjoy his presidency. He noted that a call to “national duty is a call for personal sacrifice”.

The Venerable Lamptey, a priest of the Anglican Church, observed that Nana Akufo-Addo’s commitment to social justice should not be relegated to the background when eventually elected President. “There must be equity and fairness in democratic governance. You should not forget to give justice, promote fairness and equity.

“May the God of justice continue to guide him so that he makes right decisions in his political career, and God enlarge him in his political territory,” he prayed.