The people of Gonjaland have strongly criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo’s behavior during the recent 48th Annual Congress of the Gonjaland Youth Association and the 1st Anniversary of Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I.
In response, they have declared that they will not invite the President to any future events. This decision was reported earlier by InsiderGH.com.
“in an attempt to undermine the authority of the Yagbonwura and the collective pride of the people of the Gonja Kingdom, the Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Hon Abu Jinapor, reached out to the Yagbonwura and requested that he stood up and descended from his skins in order to exchange hand shakes with the President. The Yagbonwura didn’t pay heed to this. Then, the NPP regional Chairman, Mr. Kalamonia equally followed up to the King and also placed the same request, which the Yagbonwura played a deaf ear to.”
The incident occurred in Damongo on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, where President Akufo-Addo faced severe criticism for what many perceived as disrespectful behavior towards the King and Overlord of Gonja.
Attendees at the event expressed palpable anger as the President addressed them. Questions arose about whether similar conduct would be accepted if directed at other revered traditional leaders like the Asantehene or Okyehene.
The situation reached a boiling point when President Akufo-Addo, citing time constraints due to his waiting helicopter, insisted on delivering his speech out of turn. His Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Abu Jinapor, exacerbated tensions by forcefully taking the microphone from the Master of Ceremonies to make the announcement.
The President’s abrupt departure amid rising tensions left a sour impression on those present. Witnesses described a heated atmosphere, with murmurs of discontent drowning out the President’s words.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, despite pressure to leave in protest, chose to stay, demonstrating patience and respect for the event’s protocol.
A delegation of prominent Paramount Chiefs, dispatched by the King and Overlord of Gonja, intervened swiftly to prevent further escalation and convinced Mahama to remain after President Akufo-Addo’s departure.
Critics have criticized President Akufo-Addo for disregarding the established program lineup, which dictated that the King’s speech would precede his own. Many questioned the appropriateness of speaking before the Yagbonwura, who had extended the invitation.
Mahama Haruna, a prominent media personality and recipient of the 2024 NExA Media Personality of the Year award for the five Northern regions of Ghana, expressed outrage at the President’s actions and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
As Gonjaland reflects on this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting traditional authority and adhering to protocol in Ghana’s diverse cultural landscape.