Akufo-Addo Begins State Of The Nation Address: Live Updates

Akufo-Addo ends address with inspirational charge

President Akufo-Addo ended his speech with a promise of a better tomorrow. He said Ghanaians would face adversity with pride.

"Every day we pray and hope that adversity may spare our families, our communities and our dear nation. But should we be confronted by misfortune; we must face it like people with a proud history who fight and do not flee. Yenim ko; yen nim adwane. That is the Ghanaian spirit."

Update on Planting for Food and Jobs

President Akufo-Addo said the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme has outlined a 5-year strategic plan to ensure food sufficiency & resilience.

The strategy has been set for 11 priority products, including maize, rice, soybean, sorghum, tomato, pepper, onion, cassava, plantain and poultry.

Akufo-Addo touts efforts in cocoa sector

President Akufo-Addo says there has been an increase in the cocoa price from GH¢800 per bag to GH¢1,300 per bag in the current cocoa season.

Akufo-Addo reference Ken Ofori-Atta removal

President Akufo-Addo said the recent change in the leadership of the Finance Ministry will not affect Government’s commitment to implementing the terms agreed with the IMF to ensure that we restore the economy to healthy growth as soon as possible.

Akufo-Addo praises free SHS

President Akufo-Addo lauded the impact of the Free Secondary Education policy and downplayed criticism of the quality of education.

"We should simply concentrate on ways to improve it," he says.

In general, he said his government has made significant progress in the education sector.

He acknowledged that there were still education gaps that needed addressing.

Funding for La-General Hospital project

The president announced that govt has secured alternative funding for the La Gen Hospital project at $7.5 million.

He said work began in January 2024 and is expected to be completed in 28 months.

President Akufo-Addo also noted that the hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery when completed.

Akufo-Addo sings from Bawumia's digitalisation hymboo

The president has hyped up digitalisation efforts under his government.

He notes, for example, that there are over 17 million Ghanaians with a National Identification Card after coming to meet only 900,000.

"We are definitely going to be part of the digital revolution that is sweeping the world," assures President Akufo-Addo.

Akufo-Addo makes bold claim on judgment debts

President Akufo-Addo claims the Attorney General has saved the state over GH¢ 10 trillion.

He was giving updates on the judicial sector, where he says Ghana has made unprecedented progress in the provision of court buildings and residences for judges across the country.

Charge to the Electoral Commission

President Akufo-Addo urged the Electoral Commission to ensure free and fair elections.

The president also underscored the importance of political parties to ensure free and fair elections.

"We who are in politics and we who are members of political parties owe it to Ghan and the people of Ghana to make politics and elections the serious phenomena there should be."

President Akufo-Addo also assures that he will do everything in his power to ensure a free and fair election.

Akufo-Addo emphasises peace and security

The first major theme of the President's speech highlights security concerns in the sub-region and parts of Ghana, like Bawku in the Upper East Region.

"In its current state, Bawku is an alluring magnet to mischief makers," says the President.

The President also notes that West Africa is under threat of violent extremism, and Ghana is the only country within the Gulf of Guniea that has not experienced a terror attack.

Akufo-Addo finally takes the stage

President Akufo-Addo has begun his State of the Nation address almost two hours after the advertised start time.

He begins his address by acknowledging his wife and other key state dignitaries present.

NDC MPs hijack Bagbin's opening remarks

Minority MPs have made John Mahama the centre of attention, hailing him as the next President of Ghana.

The NDC MPs seized upon Speaker Bagbin's acknowledgement of the former President hail the man expected to represent their party in the 2024 elections.

The chanted "wo yɛyeye a JM bɛ ba", which drew a counter jeer from the majority shouting "dead goat".

President Akufo-Addo arrives in chamber

President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia and Speaker Bagbin have arrived in Parliament after an over-90-minute delay.

The national anthem was played with Minority MPs harping on the section about resisting oppressors' rule.

Minority MPs rescind boycott threat

Minority MPs are taking their seats in the Chamber of Parliament after an earlier threat to boycott President Akufo-Addo's State of the Nation Address.

The MPs made the threat after taking issue with past criticism of them from the Bank of Ghana governor after he compared them to hooligans during a protest in 2023.

Minority threatening boycott of Akufo-Addo's address

Multiple reports from Parliament indicate that the Minority in Parliament has threatened to boycott President Akufo-Addo's address because he hasn't signed off on some private members' bills before him.

The MPs are also upset with past criticism of their cohort from the Bank of Ghana governor after he compared them to hooligans during a protest.

Dignitaries seated for State of the Nation Address

Dignitaries invited to witness the President's sessional address are fully represented in the gallery, including former Speaker of Parliament Prof Mike Oquaye.

President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia's arrival

President Akufo-Addo arrived at the Parliament House to deliver the State of the Nation Address. He inspected the military guard of honour before entering the building.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife arrived ahead of the president.