President John Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama will deliver his message on the State of the Nation today, in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
This address, a constitutional requirement, promises to be a defining moment for his second-term administration.
It comes at a critical juncture in the country’s history, as Ghana grapples with economic challenges that have sparked debates and raised questions about the direction of the nation.
The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, suggested last week that President Mahama’s address will focus on the current economic situation, what his administration inherited from the previous government, and the strategies in place to revitalise the nation’s economy.
The address is expected to provide clarity on government plans moving forward and will seek to reassure citizens about the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing issues.
In preparation for the State of the Nation Address (SONA), Parliament took an early adjournment yesterday. The move was made to allow time for the chamber to be properly prepared to host the President’s address.
Members of Parliament and staff worked diligently to ensure the chamber was ready for the event, which is a significant occasion in the country’s political calendar.
This comes on the heels of former President Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address, in which he reflected on Ghana’s territorial security, regional stability, and national achievements during his tenure. President Akufo-Addo underscored that Ghana had remained secure in a region plagued by instability, and pointed to the success of the Dagbon peace process as one of his administration’s proudest moments. He also noted the progress made in environmental initiatives such as the Green Ghana Project, and the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has expanded access to secondary education.
In his address, former President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges faced during his second term, including the political fallout from the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and its impact on the 2020 elections.
He also highlighted key infrastructure projects, particularly the Agenda 111 initiative, which seeks to build a hospital in every district.
While the project saw progress, former President Akufo-Addo noted that some hospitals were still under construction, and hoped the incoming administration would complete them to improve the nation’s healthcare system.
As President Mahama takes centre stage today, the expectations from various political factions are high. Minority Members of Parliament have expressed a desire for transparency and honesty in the address.
MPs such as Akwasi Konadu (Manhyia North), Kofi Amankwah Manu (Atwima Kwanwoma), and Collins Adomako Mensah (Afigya Kwabre North) have called on the President to provide a candid and forthright account of the state of the nation, particularly the economic conditions left behind by the previous administration.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House