The Minority Members of Parliament have now begun entering the chamber for the State of the Nation Address to be delivered by President Akufo-Addo.
Initially, the Minority MPs were absent for about 30 minutes while their colleagues on the Majority side had already taken their seats. During this period, President Akufo-Addo had arrived in Parliament but had not yet entered the chamber.
Reports suggest that Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin had discussions with the Minority MPs to persuade them to enter the chamber.
So far, just a handful of the NDC MPs can be seen in the chamber. Among them are Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak and James Klutse Avedzi, Ketu North MP.
This annual address, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, allows the President to provide an overview of the nation’s current state at the start of each parliamentary session.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, former Speaker of Parliament Aaron Mike Oquaye, and Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of late former President Jerry John Rawlings, have arrived at Parliament House in Accra for the event. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is also in attendance.