The President’s last address, in fulfilment of Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, is expected to highlight some of the nation’s achievements and challenges, as well as unite a highly politically polarised country.

The State of the Nation Address will be one of the items on the agenda as Parliament reconvenes on December 20, 2016.

President Mahama delivered his State of the Nation Address on February 21, 2016 in fulfilment of Article 67 which makes it obligatory for the President to deliver to Parliament a message on the State of the Nation at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before the dissolution of Parliament.

According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament and signed by its Deputy Director, Ms Kate Addo, the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic would open on December 20, 2016 to continue the business of the Sixth Parliament.

“Main issues that will be considered will be those that deal directly with the constitutional provision regarding the end of the life of a Parliament and its subsequent dissolution.

“Outstanding issues will be dealt with and decisions taken on outstanding bills before the House,” it said.

A festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will also be held as part of a thanksgiving service on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

Registration of newly elected MPs

Meanwhile, Parliament will conduct a registration exercise for newly elected members of the Seventh Parliament from December 19 - 23, 2016.

“Members will be registered and issued with identification cards that will enable them to vote for the selection of a Speaker and other officials for the Seventh Parliament,” another statement issued by the directorate said.

To ensure a smooth and accurate recording of data, it  said, among other businesses photographs would be taken for purposes of issuing identification cards to the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs).      

However, newly elected MPs who wished to register online were urged to visit the parliamentary website (www.parliament.gh) and follow the link.

“Once satisfied with the accuracy of the information, the forms are to be printed out and the member’s signature appended to finally complete the process,” it said.