Papa Kwesi Nduom: ‘theatrical performance’ at Mahama’s State of the Nation Address

Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, Founder of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), has described President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address delivered in parliament on Thursday February 25 as a “theatrical performance”. Dr Nduom said: “Never again should we the people allow a theatrical performance to happen in the People's House”. Dr Nduom, in a Facebook post, questioned whether the president’s delivery and approach were meant to be a campaign rally, a launch of a re-election manifesto, or a real State of the Nation Address as prescribed by the constitution.

Below is the full post:
Never Again! Never again should we the people allow a theatrical performance to happen in the People's House, Parliament, as occurred this past week in the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana. Was the drama that unfolded meant to be a campaign rally? Was it meant to officially launch a re-election manifesto? And the irresponsible behaviour of both the Majority and the Minority? With the president orchestrating a cheering squad in the House? Or was it meant to present the State of the Nation as prescribed by the 1992 Constitution?

This is what Chapter 6, Directive Principles of State Policy, prescribes: "The President shall report to Parliament at least once a year all the steps taken to ensure the realisation of the policy objectives contained in this Chapter and, in particular, the realisation of basic human rights, a healthy economy, the right to work, the right to good healthcare and the right to education." Is this what happened yesterday? This is what the seed planted in the 2012 elections has brought to the people. You get what you vote for!