President Mahama delivers state of the nation address
President John Dramani Mahama has delivered his first State of the Nation’s address in Parliament House in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution after the return of Members of Parliament to the House on January 3, 2013.
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The address was the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government's fifth address to the House since it was inaugurated on January 7, 2009 for a four-year term which officially ends on midnight of January 6.
UPDATES
10:19 President Mahama arrived at the forecourt of Parliament and took the national salute as the National Anthem was played.
10:27 The President inspected the guard of honour at the forecourt of Parliament.
10:34
National Anthem was played as President Mahama, Vice President and Speaker of Parliament took their seats.
10:37 The Speaker of Parliament, Joyce Bamford-Addo welcomed President Mahama to the House.
10:40 The President began his address.
I congratulate Madam Speaker for conducting the affairs of the House as
the first female Speaker. I thank MPs for helping the government to
deliver the better Ghana Agenda.
I take this task with mixed-feelings. Parliament begun with President John Evans Atta Mills. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
He took office
and managed the country in a manner that made the country stand tall.
It is my wish that President Mills was here to give an account of the unprecedented achievement or you can replace that with gargantuan.
I will offer a more comprehensive review of the economy when I visit the House next month.
The
government through hard work and prudent monitory and fiscal policies
maintained macro-economic stability.
I call for greater collaboration between
government and the legislature. There is the need for all to live
in unity for a greater impact.
The People of Ghana demand partnership from us and not partisanship.
The Agriculture
sector has seen massive improvement despite the challenging weather
pattern. Government has undertaken bold strides in making the economy
better.
More resources have been committed to improving health care.
Several nurses and midwifery training institutions have been established.
The administration has worked relentlessly to give individuals and families access to quality healthcare.
Government has built, 19 health-centres, 15 new polyclinics and 161 ambulances for the national ambulance service.
The Police Service now has ultra modern equipment in providing security.
The NDC government's efforts in providing security have not been in vain.
Electricity supply has improved over the last four years.
Two new universities
have been added and expansion at the tertiary level is ongoing.
About 40 per cent of 4,000 schools under trees have been removed in the last four years.
Government has made significant progress in the energy sector, with over 1700 communities connected to the national grid.
We intend to work hard to eradicate the remaining schools under trees.
Other pro-poor interventions have been expanded to cover more children.
Teachers have seen an upward adjustment in their remuneration.
The state of our nation is strong despite the challenges.
I thank the House for indulging me
10:59 The President brought his address to an end.
11:00 The Speaker, Joyce Bamford Addo thanked him and invited leadership of the house to join her in seeing the President off.