As people in Ghana and all over the world enjoy the Easter holidays, President Nana Akufo-Addo is wishing the people of Ghana a happy celebration.
In a message on behalf of his wife, Rebecca, his children, family, and the government, the President is hopeful that the significance of Jesus’ blood spilled on the cross during Easter would bring healing to the nation and cleanse it of iniquities.
“In this season, let us drive carefully on the roads, and keep the nation in our prayers at all times. So let us, again, enjoy our Easter Conventions, parties and picnics, and the traditional Kwahu Easter festivities,” he urged Ghanaians.
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“May the celebration of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ give birth to a new season of faith, hope, growth, prosperity, reconciliation, and sacrifice for everybody in our beloved country and in the world,” the President prayed.
On their part, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a statement dated March 28, 2024, and signed by General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, said, “This Easter, we reaffirm our commitment to championing policies and initiatives that promote economic prosperity, democratic governance and social justice.”
“Amidst the challenges and uncertainties of our times, let us draw inspiration from the Easter message of hope and renewal. Let us stand together in solidarity, supporting one another and working towards a brighter future for our nation.
The NDC wishes all Ghanaians a happy and blessed Easter. May this season bring you joy, peace, and happiness,” the party said.
Believed to be the most important religious celebration on the Christian calendar, Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from His death on the cross.
Christians believe that Easter is not some memorial to a famous religious teacher who lived over 2,000 years ago but a celebration of the fact that Jesus Christ is alive today.
Jesus’ resurrection gives Christians a reason to live not only for today but sustains hope in their future, no matter how difficult the circumstances they currently face.
Easter traditions vary around the world; however, everyone incorporates their traditions in celebration of the holiday. Some countries celebrate with dancing and parades while other countries have egg-rolling contests or perform plays to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter follows a period of fasting called Lent, in which many churches set aside time for repentance and remembrance. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The 40-day period was established by Pope Gregory 1 using the 40-day pattern of Israel, Moses, Elijah and Jesus’ time in the wilderness.
The week leading up to Easter is called The Holy Week, or “Passion Week”, and includes Palm Sunday (the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and was celebrated), Maundy Thursday (the “Last Supper” where Jesus met with his disciples to observe Passover), and Good Friday (when Jesus would be crucified on the cross).