Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has revealed that Parliament will introduce stricter security protocols on Thursday, February 27, 2025, while President John Dramani Mahama presents the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The decision follows remarks by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Minister of State responsible for Government Communications, ahead of the highly anticipated event.

As stipulated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, the address will outline the country’s economic landscape and the administration’s development agenda.

According to Mahama Ayariga, Members of Parliament (MPs) must be seated by 9:15 am, as National Security will enforce access restrictions once the President arrives.

He provided this update while outlining the parliamentary agenda for the coming week.

Additionally, legislators will not be allowed to enter the chamber with unauthorized guests. Access to the Speaker’s lounge will be limited to deputy speakers and the two parliamentary leaders, while movement near the area will also be controlled.

During the session, doors on the Majority side will remain shut, requiring MPs to exit through the Minority side or the designated division room.

“Members are expected to be seated in the chamber at 9: 15 am, this is because once the Excellency enters the chamber, National Security will not allow any member access into the chamber. When the National Security takes over no member will be allowed access, so after 9:15, it will be difficult for anyone to access the chamber, Honorable members are not entering the chamber with a stranger.

“Only the deputy speakers and the two leaders will have access to the speaker’s lobby. There will be limited access to the area in front of the speaker’s lobby. During the address, the doors into the chamber from the Majority side will be locked. Hence all honourable members are required to exit the chamber from the minority side or exist in the division room.” he cautioned