The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has firmly rejected claims suggesting that the Yagbonwura was directed to stand and acknowledge President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Various media outlets had hinted that during an event in Damongo on Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, was instructed to rise and greet the President.
In a statement, Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng urged the public to disregard these erroneous reports.
He clarified, “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.”
As per video evidence, the President approached the Yagbonwura with a smile, paying homage as the host of the Damongo event.
Minister Boateng emphasised the importance of respecting authority and traditional customs, adding that such gestures reflect Ghana’s rich heritage.
The Ministry highlighted that the tradition of Chiefs standing to greet the President is not about undermining their dignity but rather acknowledging their esteemed role in society.
“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.
“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.
This reaffirms President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to upholding Ghanaian cultural values and fostering unity.