Calm, interjections characterise President’s SONA
In an atmosphere depicting the blend of approval and discontent of the present national economic circumstances, President John Dramani Mahama yesterday delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament to a mix of emotions.
It was a familiar spectacle of parliamentary heckling, with a show of outward support from the Majority Caucus, most of whom were clad in all-white outfits, illustrated by the rendering of partisan songs of cheer, while the Minority MPs – clad in dominant black and kente-styled sashes – made their strongest point of disapproval, particularly over the reduction of cocoa prices one year into the life of the current administration.
Parliamentary proceedings started at exactly 10 a.m. with the preliminary rituals setting the stage for the day’s activities, and once the President arrived at the Forecourt of Parliament in a slow convoy escorted by a herd of horses, the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, invited both the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to accompany him to welcome the President.
The three leaders of the House, joined by the Clerk-to-Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, and the Clerks at Table, then stepped out of the Chamber to receive the President.
That was after the President, accompanied by his wife, Lordina, had inspected a guard of honour on his arrival at the Forecourt of Parliament.
Wearing a colourful blend of hand-woven brown, yellow, orange and curry Fugu with a matching cap over a pair of black trousers, President Mahama later took a national salute on a podium, with Mrs Mahama standing by him.
Attendees
The event, which saw the Police Band render beautiful national tunes, attracted a large number of dignitaries.
Alban Kingsford Bagbin (standing), Speaker of Parliament, addressing Parliament. Seated are President Mahama (2nd from left), Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (right), and Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief Justice Pictures: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA with additional files from the Presidency
They included the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie; former President, John Agyekum Kufuor; former Speakers of Parliament — Ebenezer Sakyi Hughes, Edward Doe Adjaho and Aaron Mike Oquaye— the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, and other political figures.
Others were heads of security services, Justices of the superior courts, the clergy, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, including the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwasi Atta, and civil society organisations.
Inside the Chamber
When the President was ushered into the Chamber, he exchanged pleasantries with some dignitaries in the House, including former President Kufuor and the Chief Justice.
As he took his seat, the Majority members rose to their feet, waving enthusiastically to welcome him to the House.
Appearance
Most MPs appeared in traditional African attire, with a number of MPs wearing fugu (smock), kaftan and other traditional outfits. Few appeared in suits and ties.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor (right) in a chat with Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State and former Speaker of Parliament
The Majority members wore pure white traditional outfits, giving expression to the much-touted better economic conditions reflected in the economic data, and seemingly to celebrate President Mahama’s one year in governance.
On the contrary, the Minority Caucus stormed the Chamber draped in pure black attire with black sashes with the inscription “COCOA AKUAFO YAYɛ Ɛ Mɛ BɔƆ DODO” to wit “Cocoa farmers are sad”.
Interjections
Soon after the Speaker invited President Mahama to deliver his address, the Minority Caucus, brandishing ripe cocoa pods, rose to sing against the President over the reduction in producer cocoa prices.
In a counter move, the Majority Caucus also rose to their feet to sing in praise of the President, waving miniature Ghana flags.
Generally, while President Mahama delivered his address with the House listening attentively, there were occasional interjections and shouts from the
Minority in areas they found discomforting, especially when the President justified the decision to reduce cocoa prices.
As a morale booster, when the President touted some of the economic policies and pledges initiated by the government to raise the living standards of Ghana, the Majority MPs rose to their feet, cheering in approval, singing “Mahama, Wo Ye Bue” to wit “Mahama, you are amazing”.
The two-hour and 18-minute speech contained crafty punches that targeted the previous administration’s handling of the economy, his stern voice showing no sign of exhaustion from start to finish.
Once President Mahama ended his address, the Majority MPs once again rose to their feet with their miniature Ghana flags and sang “Mahama Oka ɔɔbɛyɛ” and “Mahama, yen nyɛɛ wo dɛn, wo yɛ buei” to wit “When Mahama says it, he does it” and “How should we hail you, Mahama, you are too good”.
The Minority members, in response, also waved their cocoa pods while singing “We said he would cut cocoa prices”.
