Prime Minister James Marape has called on Papua New Guineans to embrace a national reset as the country prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to use National Repentance Day to seek forgiveness, reconcile, and recommit the nation to God.
Addressing thousands gathered in Port Moresby and across the country, Prime Minister Marape invoked the words of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea’s founding father, who declared in 1975 that no human wisdom could hold together the country’s thousand tribes and 800 languages without being anchored in God.
“Sir Michael told us that no human wisdom can hold this land together,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He said this nation must be anchored in God, and God alone. Today, standing at the threshold of our 50th year, I see the deep wisdom in his words.”
Prime Minister Marape reminded citizens that true repentance is an act of strength, not weakness. Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, he said: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
He stressed that repentance must go beyond words and be reflected in a real transformation of character. “Repentance is not lip service,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It must be anchored in true transformation — in our hearts, our families, our communities, and in the highest offices of this land.”
In one of the most significant and emotional moments of his address, Prime Minister Marape revisited a curse he placed in 2019, shortly after taking office, declaring at the time that corruption and those who practised it were holding Papua New Guinea back.
Today, in an act of national healing, he formally withdrew the curse, urging both leaders and citizens to embrace honesty and integrity.
“In 2019, I placed a curse on those who practice corruption,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Today, on this Repentance Day, I withdraw that curse word — but corruption must still be condemned. I release it to God, and I call on every leader, every public servant, and every citizen to repent and work honestly for our country.”
Prime Minister Marape also held himself accountable:
“If I, as your Prime Minister, am a stumbling block to our nation’s progress, I ask God to remove me and raise up someone better to lead Papua New Guinea.”
Linking his message to Leviticus 25:8-10, Prime Minister Marape compared Papua New Guinea’s upcoming 50th year to the Biblical Jubilee Year — a time for forgiveness, restoration, and renewal.
“In the Jubilee year, debts were cancelled, land was restored, families were reunited, and society was reset,” he said. “Our 49 years are ending, and on 16 September 2025, we enter our 50th year. This is our moment to reset Papua New Guinea on God’s foundation for the next 50 years.”
He reminded citizens that this reset must begin at a personal level before it can transform the nation. “It begins with you and me. Respect God, respect one another, and respect the laws that govern us.”
Prime Minister Marape urged families to return to their land, build sustainable livelihoods, and instill values that will strengthen future generations. “Go back to your land, plant food, build homes, and teach your children well,” he said. “Our forefathers never alienated our land. It is still yours — use it.”
He challenged churches to lead not just in preaching but in practical action, adding that prosperity-driven teachings must be matched with hard work.
Turning to leaders and public servants, the Prime Minister issued a blunt reminder: “We, the 2% of Papua New Guineans in leadership and public service, consume 25% of the nation’s resources. If we truly love this country, we must serve with humility and honesty.”
Acknowledging the nation’s persistent struggles with corruption, lawlessness, poverty, and inequality, Prime Minister Marape warned that Papua New Guinea must make a decisive choice.
“Two roads lie before us. One leads to life and blessing. The other leads to destruction. The road to life is narrow and hard, but it is the road we must walk if we want God’s favour on our nation.”
With less than three weeks before PNG marks its 50th Anniversary, Prime Minister Marape called on all Papua New Guineans to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and unity.
“From the highlands to the islands, from the youngest child to the oldest elder, let us forgive, restore, and reconcile,” he said. “Let us march into our Jubilee as one people, one nation, one country, under one God.”
National Repentance Day was first established in 2008 under Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, in partnership with the country’s churches and Christian leaders. Today’s observance — the 18th since its inception — carries greater weight than ever as the nation stands at the dawn of its 50th year.
“This is our chance to start again,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Let us choose God’s way and commit to a national reset — for our children, for our future, and for Papua New Guinea.”