President Akufo-Addo’s bodyguard collapsed in the midst of a State of the Nation Address (SONA) session in parliament on January 3, 2025. The incident occurred while President Akufo-Addo was delivering his annual speech, outlining his administration’s policies and achievements over the past year.
As the President addressed the chamber, the bodyguard, positioned near the podium, visibly showed signs of distress. Initially appearing to be a minor issue, it quickly escalated when the guard stumbled and collapsed to the floor, causing a wave of concern among the MPs and spectators. The sudden disruption halted all activities in the chamber, and parliamentarians rushed to offer aid.
Medical personnel were swiftly called to the scene, and the bodyguard was carried out of the chamber for urgent medical attention. While the cause of the collapse remains unclear, questions have been raised about the guard’s health and whether any pre-existing medical conditions may have contributed to the incident.
The President, momentarily taken aback, paused his address to assess the situation before resuming his speech. His tone reflected the solemn nature of the unexpected turn of events. Despite the brief pause, the State of the Nation Address continued, albeit in a more somber atmosphere, as lawmakers and the President remained focused on the gravity of the matters being discussed.
The incident has since sparked widespread concern, with both the President and parliamentarians expressing their wishes for the guard’s speedy recovery. The situation has also raised awareness regarding the health and well-being of those responsible for the security of public figures, particularly in high-stakes environments like the parliament chamber.