Parliament is bracing for a high-profile week as the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, officially announced that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama will deliver the Message on the State of the Nation on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The address, which is in fulfillment of Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, is expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap of the government’s priorities and a report on the country’s current socio-economic standing.
Speaking on the floor of the House, the Majority Leader underscored the significance of the occasion, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to parliamentary protocol. He informed lawmakers that the session is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m and urged all Members of Parliament to be seated in the Chamber by 9:15 a.m.
”It would be inappropriate for members to enter or exit the Chamber after the President has arrived to deliver his address,” Hon. Ayariga cautioned, stressing that the dignity of the house must be maintained during the constitutional event.
Ahead of the President’s visit, the Majority Leader outlined a rigorous schedule for the week. Invoking Standing Orders 159 and 160, he indicated that several bills are slated for their First Reading. He further noted that “urgent” pieces of legislation may be fast-tracked through all various stages within a single day to ensure the legislative agenda remains on course.
Pursuant to Order 96, the House will also see the laying of several papers and the presentation of committee reports for deliberation. The Majority Leader added that various motions are expected to be debated, followed by the adoption of consequential resolutions.
To facilitate a seamless transition for the presidential visit, Ayariga announced a strategic adjustment to the parliamentary timetable. The House will convene at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, to allow for an early adjournment.
This window, he explained, is essential to provide the Clerk of Parliament and technical staff “adequate time” to reconfigure and secure the Chamber in preparation for the following day’s ceremony.
He appealed for the full cooperation of all members and staff to ensure that the House is physically and procedurally ready for the President.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
