B&FT: President’s last first-term SONA

President Akufo-Addo will deliver his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) for his first four-year Presidential term today. As usual, the event will be keenly followed by Ghanaians as the president climaxes his four-year term with a report on how he faithfully executed his promises he made to the electorate before assuming the reins of power.

One area that will attract keen interest is the fight against illegal mining – dubbed galamsey – amid the controversies which have erupted in recent times. Ghanaians would like to know the success or otherwise of the campaign, and what has happened to the logistics seized.

Especially as the president told Ghanaians that he is prepared to put his presidency on the line in the fight to rid the country of this menace. The recent outbursts by the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment on aspects of the campaign demonstrates that all is not well with the campaign. We are hoping the president will shed further light on the issues.

Ghanaians would also be glad to hear of improvements made in strengthening the economy and how the flagship programmes are faring. The World Bank, African Development Bank and many international organisations have rated management of the economy by government positively.

However, the issue of debt sustainability is also a rising concern and the President would do well and try to assuage the fears of Ghanaians. Another area that will need reassurance is security, particularly since African countries have a bad reputation for conducting elections. Fortunately, Ghana has been a bright spot when it comes to electioneering on the continent; and we can maintain that enviable track record if we do not heighten the political temperature unnecessarily.

The rains will soon be with us, and flooding of parts of the city Accra has been the norm when the rains come; Ghanaians will be eager to learn what steps are being taken to ensure a situation whereby parts of the city will not be submerged in floods.

Sanitation has been our bane, and the president promised to deal with the situation and make Accra one of the cleanest cities in Africa. How far with that promise? We are confident that Ghanaians from all walks of life will have their eyes and ears glues to their televisions and radios to receive the president’s message.