LIVE: President Akufo-Addo’s final 2024 State of the Nation address

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.