The State of the Nation’s address would not have ended without the usual drama.
First, the Minority, staged a walkout on the first gentleman of the land when he was ushered into the chamber by the Speaker of Parliament as well as both the Majority and Minority leaders.
According to the Minority, walking out or boycotting the State of the Nation’s address has more or less become part of the Parliamentary practice, even though it is not normal practice for people that are regarded as “Honourable”.
Outside the Chamber too, there was another drama going on, some protesters lined up on the streets in front of the State House waiting patiently to make their way into the gallery to also register their protest against the planned new voters’ register proposed by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
The protesters who were dressed in black and red were seen with their placards singing and dancing.
When the protesters attempted to enter the forecourt of the State House, they were prevented by Police Officers, who unleashed hot water cannons on them.
In anger, the protesters still persisted but were overpowered by the heavily armed security at the State House gate.
The defiant protesters resorted to chanting insults on the police and the leaders of the country, and eventually dispersed when the action inside the Chamber of Parliament was over.
