By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Feb 27, GNA – Following President John Dramani Mahama’s maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, has expressed his optimism about Ghana’s prospects.
Despite acknowledging the country’s economic difficulties, Mr Ayariga emphasised the sense of hope inspired by President Mahama’s speech.
“…Mr. Speaker, what has happened to our economy and our country, and the presentation that has been made, says it all. It is sad. It is unfortunate, but His Excellency the President, has brought us hope,” Mr Ayariga stated.
He noted that President Mahama’s address resonated with various groups, including the youth, women, Okada riders, the private sector, students, and ordinary Ghanaians.
The Majority Leader attributed the overwhelming support for President Mahama’s leadership to the people’s trust in his vision.
He said: “Mr. Speaker, we have no doubt that everything outlined here gives hope, and this house will support His Excellency to deliver on his commitment.”
The Majority Leader also underscored the need for accountability, stressing that those responsible for the country’s economic challenges must be held accountable.
“… Mr Speaker, more importantly, this house will support His Excellency to deliver on the promise of accountability. Those who so damage our economy must be held accountable,” he declared.
President Mahama’s SONA marked his first address in his second term, and it outlined the government’s plans to tackle the country’s economic challenges.
The address comes ahead of the National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 3-4 and the presentation of the government’s first budget on March 11.
SONA is a constitutional obligation and a yearly tradition, wherein the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces reports on the status of the country, unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year, and proposes to Parliament certain legislative measures.
Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, states that the President shall deliver a message on the SONA to Parliament at the start of each session and before the dissolution of Parliament.
It also imposes an obligation on Members of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament and the Judiciary to receive the President’s SONA.
Among the dignitaries who graced the maiden SONA included Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the Vice President of the Ghana; Mrs Lordina Mahama, the First Lady; Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and her spouse; Spouse of the Speaker of Parliament; Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, Justices from the Supreme Court and Mr Edward Doe, Adjaho, a former Speaker of Parliament.
The others were; Former President John Agyekum Kufour; former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings; Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Mr Stephen Ayensu Ntim, the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Mr Justice Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP; Mr Fiifi Fiavi Kwettey, the General Secretary of the NDC and Mr Cyril K.O. Nsiah, the immediate past Clerk to Parliament.
GNA