President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has come under fire after a video leaked of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asking some traditional chiefs to stand before greeting them. defended.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, said President Akufo-Addo had asked chiefs to stand before greeting them. He said there was nothing inappropriate about it.
He explained that the president’s actions were in line with Ghanaian culture and tradition, which encourages standing as a sign of respect when greeting authorities.
“The tradition of showing respect for authority, which is deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, is very important for promoting unity, order, and mutual respect within the community. When greeting elders, leaders, or authority figures, Standing to greet someone is a customary gesture of respect and respect.
“Our call for chiefs to adhere to this tradition, especially in public events, stems from our commitment to uphold and preserve Ghana’s cultural values, including the principles of respect and hierarchy. This tradition “It is important to note that the President’s position on Ghana is intended to reaffirm the cultural norms that underpin Ghanaian society,” the minister wrote.
It added: “Requiring chiefs to stand when greeting the president at public events is not intended to undermine the dignity or independence of traditional leaders.” Instead, it acknowledges their respected role in Ghanaian society by demonstrating brotherhood and mutual respect. ”
Asamoah Boateng also said the President’s request is consistent with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which gives the President priority over all individuals in public gatherings.
“It is important to remember that the Constitution, particularly Article 57(2), states: “The President is above all other persons in Ghana.” The President is the head of state of Ghana; “As Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, he is the country’s principal representative at home and abroad,” he said.
The minister noted that President Akufo-Addo recognized the sacredness of ancestral spaces and had never asked any chief to stand in the palace to greet them.
President Akufo-Addo was recently captured in a video clip from a funeral, ordering some traditional leaders to stand before greeting them.
The incident led to the president being criticized by some members of the public, including former President John Dramani Mahama, with Akufo-Addo saying, “Political observers said that asking the chiefs to stand to greet them This is a matter of serious consternation.”
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