President Mahama delivers State of the Nation Address

President John Mahama yesterday delivered a historic State of the Nation Address (SONA), outlining his administration’s commitment to economic recovery and youth empowerment. 

It was the first by the President since his memorable political comeback after losing the 2016 general election. Seated by him was the country’s first female Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

The grandeur of Parliament was on full display with the presence of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo; the former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, and the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.

Also present were the wife of the President, Lordina Mahama; the wife of the Speaker of Parliament, Alice Adjua Yornas; the husband of the Chief Justice, Francis Kofi Torkornoo; the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the diplomatic corps, Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of Parliament, the Chairman of the Council of State, former Speakers, religious leaders and chiefs, among others.

Julius Debrah (right), Chief of Staff; Lordina Mahama (2nd from right), First Lady; Francis Torkornoo (left), Spouse of the Chief Justice; and other dignitaries and the event

The ever-disciplined Ghana Armed Forces gave the guard of honour.

Their presence also reinforced the stability of the nation.

The Marshall of Parliament and security personnel were also present while guests seated in the chamber watched keenly with admiration.

The chamber, adorned with the national colours of red, yellow, green and black, created a visually striking backdrop that underscored unity and patriotism. 

Display of culture

The Speaker of Parliament, who presided over the august House, was in his immaculate kente robe woven with African symbols in the national colours as he sat regally on the seat that symbolised his legislative authority.

President John Dramani Mahama (right) signing the special visitors album. Looking on are Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (left), Vice-President, and Lordina Mahama (middle), First Lady

There was drumming, pomp and circumstance that accompanied the many dignitaries who thronged the august House to listen to the President’s speech that outlined the actual state of the nation and the way forward.

At exactly 10:00 a.m., the President and the Vice-President were ushered into the chamber by the Speaker and leaders in Parliament.

The President, dressed in a colourful smock, walked to the podium with confidence to deliver his message with much expectations from the people.

Some members of the Security Service

Seated next to the Speaker was the Vice-President - dressed in her lemon green and yellow slit and kaba.

The chamber itself was a sea of political contrasts.

The difference between the Majority and Minority in Parliament was quite evident, not only in ideology but in their choices of attire. 

The Majority were dressed in white, symbolising victory, optimism and a commitment to move the country forward, while the Minority were in black, representing opposition and resistance to the government’s policies.

Some members of the Diplomatic Corps

The atmosphere was filled with anxiety and expectations as the President took centre stage to address the nation, with murmurings rippling through the chamber.

The President touched on the state of the various sectors of the economy and what the government intended to do to facilitate growth.