Zeqblog Blog of Friday, 3 January 2025
Source: Okine Isaac
In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo openly addressed claims that Ghana is experiencing a financial catastrophe. Speaking in Parliament, the President categorically denied the concept, claiming that Ghana's economy is strong and far from "broke."
President Akufo-Addo blamed these allegations on misinformation generated by propagandists seeking to mislead the population. He added, "Mr. Speaker, the country is not broke, as some propagandists would have us think. We are passing over a country that has about $8 billion in gross international reserves. This is a big increase from the $6.2 billion in reserves inherited in 2017.
The President's statement elicited varied reactions in Parliament. Members of the opposition expressed their dissatisfaction, resulting in a loud atmosphere in the chamber. In response, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin stated, "Your statistics may differ, but that doesn't mean he is misleading the House."
Despite the interruptions, President Akufo-Addo maintained his stance, reaffirming his commitment to openness. He stated: "The noise will not overshadow the statistics, and I intend to present the facts on record no matter the amount of noise."
The State of the Nation Address, stipulated by Article 67 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, provides an opportunity for the outgoing President to address the country's current situation before leaving office. This year's message also corresponds with the completion of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic, which is scheduled to dissolve on January 6, 2025.
The President's remarks presented a snapshot of Ghana's economic situation, dispelling myths of crisis and emphasizing his administration's achievements. His emphasis on gross international reserves highlights a point of progress, presenting an image of economic strength in the face of global crises.