Security Expert Richard Kumadoe says he is expecting an update on measures to end the Bawku conflict in President Mahama’s State of the Nation’s (SONA) Address today.
Speaking to GBC on his expectations on Thursday, 27th February, Mr. Kumadoe said inasmuch as the country has been at peace for many years, some isolated incidents like student clashes and indiscipline both in the private and public sectors call for urgent response.
“We’d love him to talk about Bawku if he speaks about Bawku and new ways of dealing with the conflict at Bawku, particularly in areas of public safety challenges; that will be a laudable strategy, and that will be something most people in Bawku and Ghana will be happy about.”.
Mr. Kumadoe again said he would expect the president to share with Ghanaians what the country should expect from the National Economic Dialogue scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of March.
He says that even though the forum comes after the SONA, it is important that Ghanaians know what to expect from such a forum.
“Unfortunately, the national economic dialogue will commence on March 3rd and 4th, which will be after the SONA has been delivered. But some key insights of what he (Prez Mahama) expects from the National Economic Dialogue considering our financial situations and job creation, and many of the things he would want to do will also be great.”
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Mr. Kumadoe also expects the president to talk about the 24-hour economy policy he promised Ghanaians.
“One of the areas I also want him to talk about is the 24-hour economy and how far they have come with the structure and how far he has come with the timeline to be able to start it and create jobs for the young people.”
The president of the Ghana Coffee Federation, Dr. Nathaniel Ebo Nsarko, said he would expect to hear more about the state of agriculture in the country.
He is of the view that President Mahama’s future plans for the agricultural sector must prioritize other agricultural produce like coffee and create a wider market for its cultivation.
“Ghana has always been reliant on cocoa for a very long time, and yes, we have seen what cocoa has done for the country. It is about time we invest heavily in coffee. We have our neighboring countries who have heavily invested in coffee and are making billions,” he noted.
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President Mahama will today deliver his first SONA in his second term of office, marking a significant milestone as he is expected to provide a candid assessment of the country’s current state.
As the President delivers his address, Ghanaians will be listening closely for reassurances on critical issues such as security, agriculture, employment, education, the economy, and the energy sector and a clear vision for the country’s future.
SONA is a crucial exercise that promotes citizens’ engagement, transparency, and accountability while also conveying a message of good governance, economic potential, and national unity to the global and investor communities.
Ghanaians are eagerly waiting to hear President Mahama’s first SONA, the resetting agenda, and how the country will go about it in the future.