A viral video from a recent funeral in the Ashanti Region showed the president instructing a chief to stand up before shaking hands with him.
In the video, the chief, who was sitting, reached out his hand to greet the president. However, Akufo-Addo was visibly displeased with the chief’s seated position.
Initially extending his hand in response, Akufo-Addo withdrew it upon realizing the chief was not standing.
He then reprimanded the chief, who complied and stood up to greet him, though the president still seemed unsatisfied.
This incident is reminiscent of a previous occurrence in May 2024 when Akufo-Addo faced criticism for a similar action at a funeral event.
In a short video, the president and his bodyguard were seen signaling for chiefs to stand before greeting them.
In one instance, Akufo-Addo gestured for a seated chief to rise before greeting him, sparking controversy.
The Ministry for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs defended the president’s action, stating that he did nothing wrong.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, stated that there is nothing inappropriate about President Akufo-Addo’s request for chiefs to stand before being greeted by him.
He explained that the president’s action aligns with Ghanaian culture and traditions, which encourage standing as a sign of respect when greeting authorities.
It added that the president’s request is consistent with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which grants the president precedence over all individuals at public gatherings.
Watch the video below:
