Mahama Prays for Divine Guidance to Transform Ghana’s Fortunes
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his heartfelt desire for God to use him as an instrument to bring positive change to Ghana. Speaking during a church service at the Cedar Mountain Chapel of Assemblies of God in East Legon on Sunday, February 2, 2025, the President shared his prayer for divine guidance in serving the nation.
“My prayer is, God, use me as Your instrument. It is You who brought me to this position. It is You who will enable me to fulfill Your purpose. And that purpose is to serve my fellow Ghanaians and work towards transforming the fortunes of this country, ensuring a better life for all,” President Mahama stated.
The President’s remarks came during his first visit to the church in 2025, following his absence from a Thanksgiving service held on January 26 in honor of the late Madam Deborah Wengam. At the time, he was traveling outside the country.
Reflecting on his life journey, President Mahama recounted how his career path had been shaped by divine intervention rather than personal ambition. He revealed that as a child, he never aspired to become a doctor, lawyer, or even a president. Instead, he was drawn to more ordinary professions.
“At one point, I wanted to be a fireman because I admired their uniforms and the red fire trucks they drove. Another time, I dreamed of being a State Transport Company driver, watching them drive from Tamale to Accra with such skill,” he shared.
However, President Mahama acknowledged that God had consistently steered him toward a different path, even when he resisted. He recalled his initial reluctance to enter politics, influenced by the traumatic experiences his late father endured as a politician. His father, who was arrested and imprisoned for two years, had discouraged him from pursuing a political career.
“My father’s ordeal left him traumatized, and he never wanted me to follow in his footsteps. I initially avoided politics, focusing instead on business and becoming a successful commercial rice farmer in the north. But God had other plans,” the President explained.
Despite serving as Deputy Minister and later Minister for Communications between 1997 and 2001, President Mahama initially believed he had fulfilled his father’s legacy and planned to pursue further education, aiming for a PhD and a career in academia. However, he felt a divine calling to continue in public service, culminating in his role as Vice President and later President of Ghana.
“God made it clear that He wasn’t finished with me. When the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills asked me to be his running mate, I knew it was part of a greater plan. Now, my constant prayer is, ‘God, do with me as You please. Use me as Your instrument,’” he said.
Celebrating the Cedar Mountain Chapel
President Mahama also praised Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, for his visionary leadership in establishing the Cedar Mountain Chapel. He likened Reverend Wengam’s journey to the biblical parable of the mustard seed, which grows from a tiny seed into a large tree.
“Reverend Wengam’s story reminds me of the mustard seed. What started as a small vision has grown into this magnificent church. When he left Ringway Gospel Centre, many of us were puzzled, but he followed God’s direction, and look at the result today,” the President remarked.
He also recalled his support for the church project during his tenure as Vice President, when he helped secure a loan guarantor for the construction of the chapel.
Call for National Prayer
Emphasizing the importance of prayer, President Mahama highlighted how even the world’s wealthiest nations, like the United States, dedicate time for national thanksgiving and prayer. He reiterated his commitment to establishing a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Ghana.
“As a nation, we need to seek God’s continued favor. We must pray for peace, safety, and prosperity, trusting that He will bless us with the resources and wisdom to thrive,” he said.
Sermon on the Power of Prayer
In his sermon titled “The Awesome Deeds of Prayer,” Reverend Wengam emphasized the significance of prayer in the life of a believer. Drawing from the story of Daniel in the Bible, he urged congregants to prioritize prayer, regardless of their busy schedules.
“Daniel was a prime minister, yet he prayed three times a day. No matter your profession—engineer, mechanic, or fashion designer—you cannot be too busy to pray. Prayer must be a lifestyle,” Reverend Wengam asserted.
He also warned against spiritual complacency, stating that a prayerless Christian poses no threat to evil forces. “Prayer is our spiritual oxygen. It preserves us in the face of challenges and empowers us to overcome adversity,” he added.
Closing Prayers
The service concluded with Reverend Wengam and other church leaders offering prayers for President Mahama’s protection and the nation’s prosperity. The President was accompanied by several government officials, underscoring the importance of faith and unity in national development.
President Mahama’s message resonated deeply with the congregation, reinforcing the belief that with divine guidance and collective effort, Ghana can achieve transformative progress.
