Dear Editor,

President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address delivered on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 was, by far, one of the most succinct and ‘peaceful’ presentations I have witnessed in the last four years.

First, it was a departure from the ‘three-hour rhetoric’ which is typical of such national statements. The entire presentation lasted for about an hour and 20 minutes, allowing the parliamentarians and guests to quickly jump to other external businesses.

Parliamentarians on both sides of the House, maintained a good composure throughout the presentation in spite of simmering discontent of the Minority over the passage of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) Bill.

Some observers thought the ‘heckling-free’ atmosphere on the day was as a result of fruitful back-room conversation among the leadership of the House, prior to the President’s speech.

As factual or otherwise that it may be, I believe the President’s body language, choice of words and the victory of the Black Stars ahead of the address contributed to the order that prevailed on the floor of the August House.

As Speaker Alban Bagbin, expressed himself eloquently in his opening statement on the floor last Wednesday, citizens would continue to look up to the leadership and members of parliament, hence the need to lead by example.

This position cannot be overemphasised and I wish to encourage the House to maintain the same level of sanctity exhibited during the State of the Nation Address, as they take up future businesses on the floor in the interest of citizens and the nation.

Meanwhile, I would appeal to parliament to agree and accept a convention stipulating that future State of the Nation Addresses should not go beyond two hours, irrespective of what party is in power.  

Fred Asamoah Antwi

Laterbiokorshie, Accra.