NPP's True State of the Nation Address: Read the full statement here
The Minority in Parliament on Wednesday presented what they
called the “True State of the Nation Address”.
Below is the full statement read by Minority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu.
THE TRUE MESSAGE ON THE STATE OF THE NATION BY THE MINORITY IN PARLIAMENT,
FEBRUARY 27, 2013
• Last Thursday, February 21, 2013 President John Dramani Mahama delivered a
regulus to this nation, what is supposed to be his work programme. Mr. John
Dramani Mahama’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year is expected next week
Tuesday, March 5, 2013. For the record, the NPP Minority group was not in
Parliament, to the delight of many Ghanaians but also to the angst of some
others. To the mostly laughing and cheering NDC crowds which populated the
public galleries of Parliament the President delivered a comprehensive, bold
and spot-on statement. Others were less enthused and thought it was a rehash of
the NDC 2012 manifesto document with no new initiatives. Many people who
listened thought the President was still campaigning.
• A President’s delivery of the message is an obligation imposed by Article 67
of the constitution.
• Article 34(2) of Constitution provides a glimpse on the contents of the
message which should capture the policy objectives of the chapter 6 of the
constitution. These are in the areas of political, economic, social,
educational, cultural and international objectives. In particular, the address,
according to Article 34(2), must relate to the state of steps being taken in
respect of basic human rights; a healthy economy, the right to work; the right
to good health care and the right to education.
A. THE ECONOMY
Ladies and gentlemen, evidence of the true state of the economy can be found in
our everyday lives; in the industries, in the markets, and in
