Ghana lawmaker collapses on stage during public address

Ghanaian lawmaker Francis-Xavier Sosu collapsed during a public address on Thursday, prompting people at the event to rush to his aid.

Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, was delivering a speech at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration when he suddenly appeared to lose consciousness on stage.

According to Citi Newsroom, the lawmaker had been speaking about his personal experiences, leadership and dedication to public service shortly before the incident.

Moments before he collapsed, Sosu told the audience, “I respectfully submit that if you want to be a good leader, let service be your hallmark,” Citi Newsroom reported.

He subsequently paused before appearing to collapse on stage.

People present at the event immediately moved towards the lawmaker to assist him. A video of the incident published by CitiTV and reported by ModernGhana showed two people helping Sosu after he fell.

Sosu appeared to regain consciousness briefly and seemed poised to resume his address. However, he reportedly began to slump again shortly afterwards, according to Citi Newsroom.

He was eventually helped away from the stage and taken for medical attention.

Footage from the incident showed several people gathered around the lawmaker, while the podium was left unattended following his collapse.