Yagbonwura was never asked to stand and greet Akufo-Addo – Chieftaincy Ministry
The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has denied claims that the Yagbonwura was asked to stand up and greet President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
There had reports that the Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, was asked to stand and greet the President at an event on Saturday, 27th April 2024, in Damongo in the Savannah Region.
But the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng in a statement urged the public ignore the false reports.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to reiterate that at no point during the President’s visit to Damongo on Saturday, 27th April 2024, was the Yagbonwura asked to stand up and greet the President.
“As Minister, I was with the President at the event, and, as seen clearly on videos, the President, beaming with smiles, walked over and paid homage to the Yagbonwura, who was the host of the event in Damongo. The general public is urged to avoid this deliberate and misleading piece of propaganda which is being distributed by mischief makers.”
He went on to say that Ghana’s rich tradition and customs are demonstrated by respecting authority, which includes asking Chiefs to stand while receiving the President at public ceremonies.
“In conclusion, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs reaffirms President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to upholding Ghanaian cultural values and fostering harmonious relations within the nation. The tradition of showing respect for authority, including the request for Chiefs to stand when greeting the President at public events, serves as a testament to Ghana’s rich heritage and traditions.”
He explained that the call for chiefs to stand when greeting the President at public programs is not intended to undermine the dignity of traditional leaders.
“The call for Chiefs to stand when greeting him at public events is not intended to undermine the dignity or autonomy of traditional leaders. Rather, it is a recognition of their esteemed role in Ghanaian society by embracing the Head of State thereby showing brotherly love and mutual respect,” the ministry said.
