President Nana Akufo-Addo's presentation of his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) before leaving office took a dramatic turn on Friday, January 3, 2025, when his bodyguard collapsed while the President was speaking in Parliament.
The bodyguard, positioned close to the podium, began to show signs of distress during the President's address. At first, it seemed like a minor issue, but as moments passed, it became evident that the situation was serious.
To the shock and alarm of the gathered Members of Parliament, the guard stumbled, lost his balance, and ultimately collapsed.
Security personnel near the podium quickly rushed to assist him. Staff from the National Ambulance Service stepped in, escorting the guard out of the chamber for further medical attention.
The incident brought all activities in the chamber to an abrupt halt. Though clearly affected by the unexpected event, the President paused briefly before resuming his speech.
In a noteworthy moment, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the outgoing New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and the party's Vice Presidential Candidate in the just-ended 2024 Presidential election, stepped forward to assist.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, a trained surgeon, directed the medical team to lay the bodyguard on the floor, allowing him to provide immediate care while awaiting further emergency services.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh's swift action has garnered widespread praise, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter). Many users commended his professionalism and quick thinking in a moment of crisis.
An account user@GrefDuah praised NAPO for putting his medical prowess to bear to salvage the situation.
NAPO exhibiting his medical prowess in Parliament.❤️
— 𝑮𝑹𝑬𝑭𝑭𝑰𝑿🖤🇬🇭 (@GrefDuah) January 3, 2025
@meshach1292 said NAPO did well by first asking the medical staff to do a CPR on the collapsed soldier.
Napo did a good job by telling them to him down and do CPR
— MD (@meshach1292) January 3, 2025
Aaah are these national ambulance staff well trained? But someone collapsed and you handled him as if he was arrested rather 😢
Another @Iam_aJournalist said" It was good seeing NAPO in action.
Was good seeing Napo in action. People really need to be taught first aid.
— Akosua Journalist (@Iam_aJournalist) January 3, 2025
How do raise someone who has collapsed and ask him to walk.
🤦🏼♀️#SONA2024
A fourth user@THE_AMPONSA commended NAPo for his smartness.
Napo was smart over there. I’ve always rated that man.
— Wɔfa Jah (@THE_AMPONSA) January 3, 2025
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