Ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin introduced dignitaries invited into the house for the event on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Flanked by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, the Speaker announced the names to the cheers of the legislators. One by one, the lists grew.

However, the now-seated Minority members, who had threatened to boycott the sitting, erupted into a thunderous roar when the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, was named.

This erupted into nearly five minutes of chants in support of Mr. Mahama. Not even calls for order from the Speaker brought calm.

After five minutes, the Speaker stood up with a stern look at the NDC side of the aisle.

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He expressed his exception to the development and warned that he may be forced to take punitive action if it continued.

This is a formal sitting of Parliament and all the rules apply.

"I know this is an election year. But my words can deselect a lot of people... Kindly take note and let's proceed," he added.

Mr Bagbin continued with the acknowledgment and later asked President Akufo-Addo to proceed with his address.