In Ghana, it’s uncommon for traditional leaders, particularly paramount chiefs, to express emotions openly, as doing so is often perceived as a weakness.
An unspoken expectation is that these leaders should maintain composure, regardless of the circumstances.
However, there are instances when prominent chiefs have broken this tradition, showing vulnerability in public while being discreetly supported by their followers.
For example, Nana Akwasi Bosompra, the Paramount Chief of Goaso, nearly cried during a public address in November 2023, expressing his frustration over the lack of progress in his communities, but his aides quickly intervened to shield him.
Similarly, the revered Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was supported by his subjects when he became visibly emotional at a durbar held by the Ga State, ensuring that his tears remained unseen by the public.
A video shared by Banadahene TV on X, shared by the Asante Nation, has shown that Asantehene is indeed human. The King of Asanteman can be seen shedding tears in the video.
According to Asante Nation, the event where the Otumfuo was captured shedding tears was the burial of his mother, the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem.
“He is human. As human as he is, the day grief shadowed his soul, he shed a tear as a human being would. The night his mother, his first love, Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, was laid in state. Emotions make us all human,” the video caption read.