In Ghana, it is rare to see traditional leaders, especially those who have reached the level of a paramount chief, shed tears in public as it is seen as a sign of weakness.
One of the unwritten rules for traditional leaders is that a chief should not weep or cry in public, regardless of the occasion or the sadness of the matter. These chiefs are expected to maintain a brave face while working in the best interest of the people.
However, on occasion, some powerful traditional leaders in the country have broken this rule and become emotional to the point of shedding tears in public, but they are often shielded by their subjects during these moments.
The Paramount Chief of Goaso (Goasomanhene), Nana Akwasi Bosompra, almost shed tears in public in November 2023 while lamenting the lack of development in his communities, but was shielded by palace aides.
The great Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was also shielded by his subjects when he became emotional at a durbar organised by the Ga State to prevent the public from seeing him shed tears.
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.
Watch the video below:
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
