Ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Friday, February 27, 2026, Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin welcomed President John Dramani Mahama with warm greetings and traditional protocol honours. The exchange was captured in a series of photos that quickly drew attention online and in the media.
As President Mahama arrived at the Parliament House in Accra, Speaker Bagbin was on hand to receive him at the entrance, accompanied by parliamentary officials and members of the National Assembly’s administrative team. The two leaders greeted one another with respectful handshakes and cordial conversation before walking together into the chamber, setting a tone of institutional cooperation ahead of the annual address.
The images showed Bagbin in formal parliamentary attire, standing beside members of staff, while President Mahama, dressed in a dark suit, appeared poised and ready for his address. Several lawmakers, security personnel and media representatives also appeared in the background as the president prepared to enter the legislative chamber for the SONA.
Photographers captured moments of the greeting, including Bagbin escorting Mahama up the steps toward Parliament’s main entrance and offering a gesture of welcome. The sequence of photos reflected the official nature of the event and highlighted the ceremonial role of the Speaker in hosting the head of state at Parliament.
On social media, users shared the photos with varied reactions. Some commented on the professionalism shown by both leaders, praising the display of respect between the legislature and executive ahead of the address. Others noted that such ceremonial greetings are part of Ghana’s democratic practice and reflect the importance of parliamentary tradition.
The 2026 SONA itself was a major national event where President Mahama outlined his government’s priorities, achievements and plans for the coming year. Images of the reception helped frame the broader context of the address, illustrating the formal protocol that accompanies such significant political occasions.
