Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, the Executive Director of The Ark Foundation and Chairperson of the Civic Forum Initiative, has shared her thoughts on the State of the Nation Address (SONA), criticizing the tendency for the address to focus primarily on the achievements of the incumbent administration.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Dwamena-Aboagye expressed her disappointment, noting that the SONA is meant to provide a true reflection of the state of the nation rather than just a list of accomplishments.

She pointed out that, while acknowledging the importance of showcasing achievements, there is a need for the address to also address broader national challenges and what those achievements mean for the country’s future.

“I was a bit disappointed because I didn’t hear the true state of the nation; instead, I heard more about what has been accomplished under my administration,” she said.

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According to Dwamena-Aboagye, this issue is not exclusive to President Akufo-Addo. She believes that previous administrations have followed the same pattern, leaving out critical discussions about the country’s challenges.

“If it’s a State of the Nation, it should be about the state of the nation,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of addressing the larger context in sectors like health and education, beyond just listing completed projects or initiatives.

Using the Agenda 111 project as an example, Dwamena-Aboagye explained, “If you say, ‘I’ve been able to do Agenda 111 but I haven’t completed it,’ we must view it in the broader context of the health sector.” By placing these projects within a larger framework, she believes presidents can offer a more comprehensive outlook on the nation’s progress and future direction.

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