Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, the Chief of Mempeasem, has apologized to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for not standing for the National Anthem.
In a widely shared video from the University of Ghana’s 2023 Green Ghana Day Celebration, the President is seen yelling at the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to urge the chief to stand up and respect the national anthem.
While other Ghanaians sang the National Anthem, the chief was seated. The President was enraged by his behavior. However, the chief defended his decision in a statement, saying that his health prevented him from standing for the National Anthem.
“I would like to state for the records that I did not elect to wilfully refuse to stand to observe the National Anthem. No patriotic son of the land would do so let alone a chief, more so in the presence of the President and other distinguished guests. I did not stand to observe the National Anthem because I felt weak.
“At the commencement of the programme, the National Anthem was observed, and the President was seen directing the Regional Minister for Greater Accra, Hon Henry Quartey, to get my attention to observe the anthem because I was seated whilst it was being observed. I respectfully wish to extend my sincerest apologies to the President and the good people of Ghana about this rather unfortunate incident.”
Chief of Mempeasem
He urged Ghanaians to exercise caution when speaking out.
“I am, therefore, by this communication, unreservedly apologising and also encouraging all Ghanaians to exercise restraint with their reactions, especially as directed to the number one Gentleman of the land. The President is the custodian of our sovereignty, and thus it is his duty at all times to be zealous in defending same.”
Chief of Mempeasem
Akufo-Addo Not Angry With Greater Accra Minister
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) clarified a social media video that appeared to show President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo giving Regional Minister Henry Quartey orders, following the playing of the national anthem at the 2023 Green Ghana Day celebration.
On Friday, June 9, at an event hosted at the University of Ghana, Legon, the President is seen in a video yelling at the minister for the Greater Accra Region.
“We feel compelled to address certain misconceptions arising from this footage, as some have unfortunately misinterpreted the video to presume the President was expressing fury at the Greater Accra Regional Minister.
“On the contrary, the President was instructing the Regional Minister to take prompt action regarding some invited guests who chose to remain seated in disregard to the national anthem that was played before the start of the programme.”
Jemima Lomotey
According to Mrs. Jemima Lomotey’s explanation in a statement released, Henry Quartey swiftly addressed the individuals in question and gave them instructions as the President had requested.
The Council urged the public to ignore the spin put to the video “to create unwarranted public disaffection.”
“It is important to emphasize that the Regional Minister sat alongside HE the President throughout the entire event, exemplifying their harmonious collaboration.
“We also call on residents of the region to support the Greater Accra Regional Minister as he advances the ‘Let’s Make Greater Accra Work’ agenda to improve the lot of our region. Together we can make Greater Accra a cleaner, healthier and resilient space to live in.”
Jenima Lomotey
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