Former President John Dramani Mahama received loud cheers from both sides of the house following his introduction by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, although each side had its own message.

Members of the minority side cheered Mr. Mahama on, while their counterparts on the majority side chanted "pensioner."

Throughout this, President Akufo-Addo smiled and rubbed his arms together. The former statesman had arrived in a grey suit and was welcomed by many, including former President John Agyekum Kufour.

Mahama was one of many statesmen and personalities in parliament to listen to the president's address on the state of the nation. Other attendees included former presidents, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, members of the diplomatic corps, justices of the Supreme Court, traditional leaders, and others.

State of the Nation Address:

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a constitutional obligation and yearly tradition in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. This article states that the President shall deliver a message on the SONA to Parliament at the start of each session and before the dissolution of Parliament.

During the SONA, the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces reports on the status of the country, unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year, and proposes certain legislative measures to Parliament.

According to Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, Members of Parliament (MPs), the Speaker of Parliament, and the Judiciary are obliged to receive the President’s SONA.