In a recent commentary, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Special Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, expressed strong support for the President’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which she described as a significant reflection of Ghana’s readiness for progress. Her remarks, shared on February 28, 2026, highlighted the contrast between Mahama’s composed delivery and what she labeled as the disruptive behavior of the Minority NPP members in Parliament.
Mogtari emphasized the thoroughness of the President’s two-hour address, stating it served as a comprehensive overview of the nation’s current state and future outlook. She underscored the importance of Mahama’s ability to connect with the public, asserting that he effectively gauged the sentiment of the nation while delivering his message.
In her post, Mogtari referred to the phrase “read the room,” previously used by critics against Mahama, to illustrate the disconnect between the opposition’s response and the realities of public sentiment. She pointed out that the President’s experience as a former parliamentarian enabled him to navigate the session with emotional intelligence, even amid apparent disruptions from the opposition.
According to Mogtari, Mahama’s address provided essential insights into various sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, education, and health. She praised the President for blending technical information with engaging dialogue, making the speech relatable to everyday Ghanaians.
In her closing remarks, Mogtari sent a clear message to both the nation and the opposition, asserting that the address reinforced the notion that the country is under capable leadership. She encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the President’s vision, describing it as a time for optimism and growth.
“Fasten your seatbelts, Ghana is ready for takeoff,” she concluded, urging the opposition to acknowledge the positive reception of Mahama’s performance by the public.
The phrase 'read the room' has taken on a new meaning. An individual had repeatedly employed this phrase to subtly criticize their opponent, feigning a grudge. This came to mind as I watched a small group of NPP MPs throwing tantrums in parliament.
— Joyce Bawah Mogtari (@joyce_bawah) February 28, 2026
Despite the 'obstructionists'… pic.twitter.com/fhvdJgVCb9
