Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has announced that former President Nana Akufo-Addo sent an official communication stating his inability to attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Friday, February 27.
According to the Speaker of Parliament, the former President of Ghana could not make it to President Mahama’s SONA for what he described as a “good reason.”
Addressing the House during proceedings before President Mahama mounted the podium on February 27, the Speaker read the formal communication from the former President Akiti-Addo explaining his absence.
“He expressed his gratitude to the invitation for him to be here. Unfortunately for good reason, he’s not able to attend this occasion.”
He added the the former President extended well wishes to President Mahama and the House.
“He however extends his best wishes to you and to his Excellency the president on this occasion.”
The announcement was met with loud reactions from some Members of Parliament, with sections of the House erupting into shouts of “it’s a lie” and “where is Bawumia,” temporarily disrupting proceedings.
The State of the Nation Address was delivered by President John Dramani Mahama and was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including First Lady Lordina Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former Speaker Mike Oquaye, and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, among others.
