Akufo-Addo Presents Message On State Of The Nation Today

President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to deliver a Message on the State of the Nation before the country’s lawmakers in Parliament House today, Tuesday February 27, 2024.

The address, his penultimate one is in fulfilment of Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution and serves as a means for the President to provide an overview of state of affairs in the country.

Article 67 provides that; “The Prsident shall, at the beginning of each session (year) of Parliament and before the dessolution of Parliament, deliver to Parliament a message on the state of the nation”.

The Message on the State of the Nation commonly known as State of the Nation Address (SONA), offers the Head of State an opportunity to update the nation on various aspects, including gains made with regards to the economy, infrastructure, health, peace and security, agriculture, education, energy, taxes, investment, climate change, and measures put in place for a free, fair, and transparent election come December this year.

President Akufo-Addo is also expected to provide an update on his major policies and programmes in the past seven years, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, Planting for Food and Jobs (II), One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, agenda 111 among others. 

One significance of the sessional address is that, it provides an avenue for citizens to hold the president accountable for his stewardship through their representatives, Members of Parliament when they debate the address on the floor of the House.

Today’s address by President Akufo-Addo would be his final address on the state of the nation at the beggining of a session of Parliament even though he would deliver a message on the state of the nation at the end of session before the dessolution of the 8th Parliament after the December7, 2024 general elections as his tenure ends on January 6, 2025.

Despite it being a constitutional manadate, late President Jerry John Rawlings during his eitght years tenure (1993-2001) never presented a message on the state of the nation to Parliament.

Former President John Agyekum Kufour implemted the requirement of article 67 of the 1992 constitution during his reign and it has since been adhered to by succeeding Heads of State.

Dignitories

Several dignitories including First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his spouse, Chief of Staff, Akusua Frema Osei Opare, ministers of state, Heads of the Secuturity Services, representatives of political parties, Chiefs, former Presidents of the Republic, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama, former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Dean and Members of the Diplomatic Corps and members of general public are expected to be in attendance as the president presents his address to parliament.

By: Christian Kpesese.