Cardinal Turkson Urges Ghanaians to Look to the Past to Build the Future
At National Day of Prayer, the Cardinal emphasizes historical reflection as a guide to unity and development
- Reflect on history to navigate national challenges and shape a better future
- Draw inspiration from Ghana’s founding ideals like “Freedom and Justice.”
- Promote unity and inclusive development
His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a globally esteemed Catholic leader and advocate for peace, has called on Ghanaians to draw wisdom from their history as they navigate present-day national challenges.
Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving on Tuesday, July 1, Cardinal Turkson emphasized that Ghana stands at a critical juncture and must look backward to move forward with unity, justice, and sustainable development.
“We constantly encounter crossroads in life,” he remarked. “It’s how we navigate them that defines our future.”
Drawing a parallel with the biblical Israelites, he encouraged citizens to reflect on Ghana’s past to illuminate the right path forward. “Like the people of Israel, let us turn to our history for clarity. It is in our past that we find both the successes that brought joy and the mistakes we must learn from.”
Highlighting milestones in Ghana’s post-independence journey, he invoked the national motto “Freedom and Justice” and institutions like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as enduring symbols of Ghana’s foundational aspirations for progress.
“There are moments in our past that inspire and energize us, and others that serve as cautionary tales,” he said. “But revisiting our past is key to restoring collective well-being—what we call the common good.”
Cardinal Turkson concluded with a heartfelt appeal for leaders and citizens alike to recommit to inclusive development, ensuring that every Ghanaian is empowered in the pursuit of national advancement.
