Outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has praised the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, for his outstanding leadership during one of the most unprecedented political eras in Ghana’s democratic history.

In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3, 2025, Akufo-Addo reflected on the challenges he faced working with a Parliament that had the slimmest of majorities and a Speaker who represented the opposition party, making their collaboration both unique and complex.

“Mr. Speaker, you and I have made history in these past four years, and I must acknowledge the role you played in keeping steady the ship of state and the governance structures of our country,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

His comments underscored the significant achievements in governance, despite the challenges posed by a divided Parliament and an opposition Speaker.

The term under review has been historically notable for the tight control of the majority in Parliament, which led to frequent partisan tensions and complex negotiations between the Executive and the Legislature.

This situation, which many thought would result in dysfunction or deadlock, instead became an opportunity for collaboration and compromise.

Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the government’s success during this period was, in part, due to the leadership and impartiality demonstrated by Speaker Bagbin.

“Mr. Speaker, we found a way to accommodate each other, and the government functioned successfully,” the President concluded.