The Minority caucus in Parliament has taken a stand to boycott the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The move comes in protest of the government’s failure to release outstanding arrears owed to them under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), as well as other statutory funds including the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
As at 10am when the President was scheduled to begin his presentation, the Minority seats were empty with no single member in the Chamber.
The Minority, expressing their frustration, has accused the President of ignoring their repeated calls for the release of the funds, which they argue is critical for the development projects within their constituencies.
They have also raised concerns about the government’s behind-the-scenes efforts to support its members and candidates to unseat opposition MPs while deliberately starving them of the necessary funds to work.
Efforts are currently underway by a Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei Asare to address the situation, with promises of prompt payment in a bid to persuade the Minority members to return to the Chamber for the SONA.
Meanwhile, information indicates Administrator of the DACF, Irene Naa Torshie Addo is also in her office doing the paper works to have the funds released.