President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is facing allegations of silently observing his daughter, Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo, showing disrespect towards Ghana’s national anthem during a public event. This incident, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, took place at the 30th anniversary commemoration of the late Mrs. Eleanor Akufo-Addo, President Akufo-Addo’s wife and Edwina’s mother.
“Outdated practices from Nkrumah’s era that require modernization”
The video reveals Edwina seated beside her father, engrossed in a phone conversation while the event’s master of ceremony announced the commencement of the national anthem, urging everyone present to stand as per protocol. Although she eventually stood up to observe the anthem, the president’s first daughter continued her phone conversation until halfway through the anthem when she placed the phone in her handbag and stood attentively for the rest of the anthem. This video has sparked numerous reactions on social media, with some users criticizing the president for seemingly disregarding his daughter’s behavior.
“Accusations of hypocrisy as President Akufo-Addo’s family falls short of his anthem standards”
This incident comes at a time when President Akufo-Addo publicly reprimanded a chief for failing to stand during the national anthem. Critics argue that the president’s response is hypocritical, as he is now being accused of not holding his family to the same standard. A Twitter user, @AbdulaiMuniru, wrote, “Nana Addo thought he and his family are superior to other Ghanaians,” while @Twenty4Greg commented, “And yet, he was really angry at the chief when he was unable to stand for the same anthem. We are in Ghana.”
“President Akufo-Addo’s furious reaction at chief’s anthem behavior”
On Friday, June 9, 2023, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was captured expressing anger during a public ceremony. The president’s intense reaction occurred at the Green Ghana Day event held at the University of Ghana, where he was seen vehemently instructing the Greater Accra Regional Minister to take action. Although most of his angry words were indistinguishable, President Akufo-Addo can be heard telling the regional minister to “go and tell him… stand up…”
“Chief apologizes for anthem incident, citing health challenges”
It was later revealed that the president’s outburst was provoked by Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw, the chief of Mempeasem, who failed to stand for the national anthem. In a subsequent statement, the chief apologized to the president, explaining that his refusal to stand was due to poor health and the side effects of medication. Nii Torgbor added that, despite his health challenges, he actively participated in the event and stood for the national anthem later, following the president’s outburst.