Akufo-Addo to Deliver 2024 SONA

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on the 27th of February 2024 in Parliament.

Addressing members of the parliamentary press corps, the Majority Leader in Parliament hinted at this address.

Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu used the opportunity to correct public perception.

According to him, it is not SONA but rather a message on the state of the nation address (MOSON).

He also explained the main import of the new standing orders in stirring the activities of parliament, saying, “It will help Parliament to reinvigorate itself and reposition itself in the space of good democratic governance.”

“Parliament is charged with the responsibility of representation to people, financial control, oversight, and legislation, as key functions of parliament.”

According to the Majority Leader, the oversight of financial control in parliament is not currently the best practice because it relies on the committee system.

Unfortunately, this system is not optimal, leading to the division of some committees into two or three.

For example, the Finance Committee has been split into Finance and Economy committees. These divisions aim to ensure expertise in the economy to evaluate government loan contracts and understand their effects on the economy.

The new standing orders have also helped to reduce the composition of various committees, which will improve the conduct of business by the committees and prevent members from serving on multiple committees.

Story by Nana Kwaku Boffah.