Parliament is set to enhance security protocols on Thursday, February 27, 2025, during President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, confirmed this following insights shared by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State for Government Communications, as anticipation builds for Mahama’s maiden address in his second tenure.
The SONA, as required by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, will offer a transparent evaluation of Ghana’s current economic state and outline the national development plan of the current administration.
To facilitate this, all lawmakers are expected to take their seats in the chamber by 9:15 am, as National Security will restrict access following the president’s arrival.
Mr. Ayariga announced these arrangements during proceedings in Parliament.
In addition, MPs will not be allowed to bring unauthorised individuals into the chamber.
Access to the Speaker’s lobby will be restricted to only the deputy speakers and the two leaders, while entry to the area before the Speaker’s lobby will also be limited.
During the address, Mr. Ayariga emphasised that the doors on the Majority side of the chamber would be secured, necessitating that MPs exit either through the Minority side or the division room.
“Members are expected to be seated in the chamber at 9:15 am, this is because once the Excellency enters the chamber, National Security will not allow any member access into the chamber. When the National Security takes over, no member will be allowed access, so after 9:15, it will be difficult for anyone to access the chamber. Honourable members are not entering the chamber with a stranger.
“Only the deputy speakers and the two leaders will have access to the speaker’s lobby. There will be limited access to the area in front of the speaker’s lobby. During the address, the doors into the chamber from the Majority side will be locked. Hence, all honourable members are required to exit the chamber from the minority side or exist in the division room,” he cautioned.