The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has announced that Parliament will be implementing intensified security measures on Thursday, February 27, 2025, during President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, (SONA).
The decision follows revelations made by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, ahead of the much-anticipated address. The SONA, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, will provide a candid assessment of Ghana’s economic realities and outline the current administration’s national development strategy.
In light of this, Members of Parliament are required to be seated in the chamber by 9:15 am, as access will be restricted by National Security after the President’s arrival.
Mahama Ayariga made this known during the presentation of the Business Statement for the ensuing week.
Additionally, MPs will not be permitted to enter the chamber with unauthorized persons. Only deputy speakers and the two leaders will have access to the Speaker’s lobby, while access to the area in front of the Speaker’s lobby will be limited.
During the address, the Majority leader noted that doors on the Majority side of the chamber will be locked, meaning MPs must exit 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, Honorable 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