The absence of the entire 137 members of the Minority Caucus from Ghana's parliament during President Akufo-Addo's 2024 State of the Nation Address prior to the delivery of the address has been attributed to discontent over the president's refusal to assent to the Anti-Witchcraft Bill.

Media personality Nana Yaa Brefo shed light on the matter, revealing that the Minority Caucus felt disrespected by the president's decision, leading to their delayed appearance in parliament.

President Akufo-Addo was scheduled to commence his address at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. However, the absence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) was conspicuous as the nation awaited the president's speech. While the exact reason for the Minority Caucus's nonattendance remained unclear initially, it was later revealed that their absence was a form of protest against the president's actions.

According to Nana Yaa Brefo, the Minority Caucus was particularly aggrieved by President Akufo-Addo's refusal to assent to the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, among others. The bill aimed to protect individuals accused of witchcraft, but the president cited constitutional concerns that needed resolution before he could assent to it.

"It took the intervention of John Mahama to convince them to rescind their decision and show up in parliament," Nana Yaa Brefo explained during an Instagram live session.

In a letter addressed to Parliament on Monday, December 4, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his inability to assent to certain bills, including the Anti-Witchcraft Bill, due to constitutional matters requiring resolution. Speaker Alban Bagbin conveyed the president's message to members of the House, emphasizing that the specific constitutional issues needing resolution were yet to be specified.

President Akufo-Addo delivered the State of the Nation Address in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the president to present a message on the State of the Nation to parliament at the beginning of each session and before the dissolution of parliament.

The absence of the Minority Caucus during the State of the Nation Address underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and resolution of legislative disputes to ensure effective governance and representation in Ghana's parliament.