Welcome to our live coverage of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered to Parliament today, 3rd January 2025.
As he marks the end of his two terms in office, President Akufo-Addo is expected to reflect on his administration’s achievements and challenges across key sectors, including the economy, governance, security, infrastructure, and social interventions.
This highly anticipated address will offer a comprehensive review of his leadership and provide Ghanaians with a vision for the nation’s future as the country prepares for the handover to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, winner of the 2024 General Elections.
Stay tuned as we bring you real-time updates, expert analysis, and key takeaways from the President’s speech, alongside reactions from political leaders and citizens across the country.
Follow our live blog for minute-by-minute updates on this historic address.
Key issues Akufo-Addo is expected to bring up in his final SONA speech
This address, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, will precede the dissolution of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic on January 6, 2025.
In his concluding address, President Akufo-Addo is anticipated to cover several key areas:
Economic Performance: The President is expected to highlight the nation’s economic trajectory, including GDP growth, inflation rates, and fiscal policies. Recent reports indicate that Ghana’s economy has shown signs of recovery, with a 7.2% growth achieved in the third quarter of 2024 and a projected annual growth rate of 6.8%.
Infrastructure Development: Updates on major infrastructure projects, such as road networks, energy sector advancements, and educational facilities, are likely to be discussed. The President may emphasize the completion of six interchanges and the ongoing construction of 13 similar projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving national infrastructure.
Social Interventions: The address is expected to evaluate programs designed to enhance education, healthcare, and social welfare. Notably, the Free Senior High School policy has benefited approximately 5.7 million youth over the past eight years, significantly increasing access to education.
Governance and Security: The President may assess efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, maintain national security, and combat corruption. With the recent general elections and the impending transition to a new administration, discussions on governance are particularly pertinent.
Transition and Legacy: As this is his final address, President Akufo-Addo is expected to reflect on his administration’s legacy, acknowledging both achievements and challenges faced during his tenure. He may also outline prospects for the future, providing guidance for the incoming government.
How can I watch the State of the Nation Address?
You can watch President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) live across multiple platforms. TV3 will provide comprehensive live coverage on television, while the event will also be streamed online for your convenience.
📺 Watch on TV: Tune in to TV3 for a live broadcast of the SONA, with expert analysis and post-address reactions.
💻 Watch online via live-streaming:
- Twitter/X: @tv3_ghana | @3NewsGH
- Facebook: 3News Ghana | TV3 Ghana
- YouTube: 3News
Why presidents deliver a state of the nation address
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to deliver his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, January 3, 2025, following the recent general elections held on December 7, 2024.
This address comes in the wake of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama, winning the presidency with 56.55% of the vote, marking his return to office.
In Ghana, the SONA is a constitutional requirement under Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, mandating the President to address Parliament annually. This address serves several key purposes:
- Accountability: It allows the outgoing President to account for his administration’s performance, highlighting achievements and acknowledging challenges during his tenure.
- Transition: Given the recent election results, this SONA provides an opportunity to facilitate a smooth transition by outlining the state of affairs for the incoming administration.
- National Reflection: It offers a moment for the nation to reflect on the progress made and the work that remains, fostering a sense of continuity and shared purpose.
As President Akufo-Addo prepares to hand over to President-elect Mahama, this final SONA is expected to encapsulate the legacy of the current administration while setting the stage for the policies and direction of the incoming government.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia arrives in Parliament
President Akufo-Addo arrives in parliament to deliver his last SONA
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin in the House
President Akufo-Addo, Speaker of Parliament, and Vice President All Seated
Speaker Bagbin formally welcomed President Akufo-Addo to the House. He also acknowledged the presence of other distinguished personalities, including Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, among others.
President Akufo-Addo begins his address
I’m deeply saddened by the Kantamanto Market fire
President Akufo-Addo has expressed deep regret and grief over Thursday’s fire that devastated the Kantamanto Market.
The situation in Bawku saddening – Akufo-Addo
“It is a matter of great distress to me that, despite our best efforts, the Bawku conflict remains unresolved,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
Galamsey: I was prepared to put my presidency on the line – Akufo-Addo
“The fight against galamsey led to the loss of many parliamentary seats. This affected the numbers in Parliament, which, in turn, impacted my second term in government,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
Education: 5.7 million people have gained access to secondary education – Akufo-Addo
According to the President, there can be no argument about the Free SHS programme and the Free TVET programme.
“We have transformed education, and there can never be a reversal of the fact that 5.7 million people have gained access to secondary education. I’m glad that we have removed from the Ghanaian mindset the notion that secondary education is reserved for certain households,” he stated.
This year’s WASSCE results have continued the trend of high pass rates since the implementation of the Free SHS programme.
Health: COVID-19 highlighted shortcomings in Ghana’s healthcare system
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed some alarming shortcomings in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
However, he noted that Ghana emerged as a leader on the African continent during the pandemic. “We were among the first countries in Africa to secure vaccines,” he stated.
The most important intervention [to fight the next pandemic] is the Agenda 111 hospital project we’ve embarked upon. I hope the incoming Mahama administration will ensure the completion of these hospitals to place our healthcare system on a sound footing.
We have also revived the National Health Insurance Scheme, with the number of subscribers increasing from 10.6 million to 17 million.
Economy: The crisis is over; the economy has recovered strongly – Akufo-Addo
The President said, “Mr. Speaker, the country is not broke, as some propagandists want us to believe.”
“The noise will not shutter the statistics,” he added.
”The banking sector cleanup was an act of necessity, not vendetta. It was a necessary decision to ensure public confidence in Ghana’s financial sector. I’m happy to inform the House that today, my government will honour coupon payments to our Eurobond holders.”
”The trade balance has improved compared to the deficit in 2016,” Prez. Akufo-Addo noted.
Corruption: OSP is a symbol of tackling corruption head-on – Akufo-Addo
Allegations of corruption against my appointees were thoroughly investigated.
President’s bodyguard suffers what appears to be vasovagal syncope
Vasovagal syncope is characterised by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to fainting, often in reaction to a stressful trigger.
Common triggers include strain, stress, long periods of standing, heat exposure, or the sight of blood.
Symptoms include paleness, nausea, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and fainting.
Infrastructure: There Are 14 Interchanges Currently at Various Stages of Completion – Akufo-Addo
My government has expanded electricity access – Akufo-Addo
“I’m very happy to say I leave office with the lights on,” President Akufo-Addo
Tourism: Year of Return boosted our economy – Akufo-Addo
Ghana made significant strides in foreign policy under my government – Akufo-Addo
The 1992 constitution has served us well – Akufo-Addo
“There is no perfect constitution anywhere in the world. With all its shortcomings, I’ll say this constitution has served us well,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
I leave behind a Ghana that is working – Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo thanked Speaker Bagbin for his support in steering the 8th Parliament.
“As I prepare to leave office, I do so with immense gratitude for the confidence entrusted in me by the Ghanaian people. I am filled with pride for what we have accomplished. I am confident that the progress we have made will inspire future generations to aim higher. I am happy to hand over a Ghana that is safe, secure, united, and a nation that continues to shine as a beacon of democracy,” he stated.
