Former President John Mahama was conspicuously absent at Akufo-Addo’s first SONA

Former president John Mahama was not present at the maiden state of the nation address delivered by President Nana Akufo-Addo to parliament on Tuesday.

It is not clear why Mahama did not attend, but some speculated that an official duty kept him away.

Akufo-Addo, in his speech, praised Mahama for his service to the country and his conduct during the election and transition.

The president also acknowledged the presence of former President Jerry Rawlings and former President John Kufuor, who attended the event.

Akufo-Addo said he was lucky to be in a position to draw from the experience of three living former presidents, saying that their experience will help him to achieve success as president.

The president also stated that he was in a hurry to deal with the numerous problems facing Ghana.

“I have heard it said that I am behaving like a man in a hurry. Mr sppeaker, I am, indeed, in a hurry, I am in a great hurry. The times, in which we live, demand that we, all, be in a hurry to deal with the problems we face.

“The conditions in our country demand that government machinery functions efficiently and at full force and that nothing is left on autopilot” hence the urgency with which he put together his team of ministers in a record time of six weeks after being sworn into office.

“I’m grateful therefore to the honourable jouse for the expeditious manner in which my ministerial nominees have been vetted and approved thus far,” he said.