Varied expectations as President Akufo-Addo delivers SONA tomorrow

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is scheduled tomorrow to deliver an address on the State of the Nation, which is a report on the status of the country including his government’s agenda for the year ahead.

This is in line with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which says: “The President shall, at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before a dissolution of Parliament, deliver to Parliament a message on the state of the nation.”

Expectations are high, as the President is expected to use the occasion to galvanise the nation for development, even in the face of IMF program.

Some Ghanaians RGG News spoke with expressed varied concerns and expectations of the President in his message.

The views ranged from addressing the high cost of living, unemployment, and the general socio-economic well-being of the citizenry.

According to some of the respondents they expected President Akufo-Addo to announce measures to turn around their fortunes and restore hope to them, while others urged him to make unemployment a priority in his address.
An entrepreneur, Esinam Azinah said she was concerned about unemployment, which she said was a major threat to national security.

She said the government must come up with policies to create permanent and well-paying jobs for the youth.

Kennedy Ashong said he was concerned about policies that the government would come up with to help develop Ghanaian-owned businesses.

Emmanuel Agyenim-Boateng, a barber, was concerned about the 10 percent tax betting, which he said was too much.

He said government must listen to the stance of the youth engaged in betting and do something about the tax.

John Sackitey of Borteyman said he was concerned about the lack of hospital in Borteyman

He said the situation becomes worrisome when someone must go all the way to Tema General Hospital or 37 Military Hospital to receive health care.

He therefore called on government to ensure that the people of Bortyeman get a modern hospital to make healthcare accessible.