Mixed Feelings greet Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address to Parliament

The much awaited State of the Nation Address by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, finally came on last Tuesday March 30, 2022 in Parliament House.

As usual, the address was met with mixed feelings, the pump and pageantry that greeted it notwithstanding, The House was also filled to capacity for the first time since 2019. Whereas the Majority side received the address with cheers and loud applause, the minority side was quiet throughout the presentation as they seemed not to be moved the least and unenthused listening to the President is close to two- hour presentation

After the presentation the Majority side in unison sang “Happy Birthday To You” to the President, who happened to celebrate his 78^th birthday the previous day.

All this while, the Minority kept adamant, except to raise an uproar and objection when Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu suggested that debate on the address would be done from Thursday to Saturday.

Galaxy of Prominent Personalities; But Mahama Conspicuously Absent

The colourful ceremony was however witnessed by a galaxy of personalities. However, NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama was conspicuously absent. All the same, NDC general Secretary Johnson Aseidu Nketiah was present and his mention was greeted with thunderous cheers from the Minority.

Present at the ceremony included the Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia, chief Justice Kwasi Anim Yeboah, Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo sreboͻ II and NPP National chairman, Fredie Blay.

Others were, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare; NPP General Secretary John Boadu; the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo – Addo; Second lady, Samira Bawumia; Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and wife of the Speaker, Alice Adjua Yornas and wife of Chief Justice, Mad. Phyllis Ofori.

The President Has Been Honest – Dr. Kwaku Afriyie.

According to Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, MP for Sefwi Wiawso, who also doubles as Minister for Environment Science Technology, and innovation the President was not only forthright, but also honest. He maintained that the President had admitted hardship facing Ghanaians the cause of it and measurers to address it. To him, the President’s action could be conveniently called IMF modality.

We Are Already Sacrificing

Dr. Afriyie stated that most of them in Parliament serving as Ministers are already making sacrifices to help bring up the ailing economy. He indicated that for the past five years that he was made a minister, he has not taken a ministers salary before. He stated that same is what is happening to his colleagues MP – Ministers. However, because they are not talking and making noise about it, Ghanaians are misconstruing them for them. He opined that the time had come for them to talk about it.

The Address Contained Nothing – Ibrahim Ahmed

On his part Second Minority Chief Whip Ibrahim Mohammed maintained that the Minority kept quiet because the address contained virtually nothing. What is more, it was full of lies. That is why they kept quiet all along. He indicated that they (Minority) will punch the holes in it, when debate on it resumes.

By S. O. Ankamah