Akufo-Addo ordering chiefs to rise up against chieftaincy protocols ought to be condemned - Nana Kwame Edu VI

The Tufohen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, has criticized H. E. President Akufo-Addo for ordering Chiefs to rise up at a public function, describing the President's actions as culturally reprehensible and abhorrent.

In a phone conversation with DC Kwame Kwakye of GBC Radio Central on Wednesday, 1st May 2024, seeking his views on a recent video that has gone viral on social media showing the President ordering Traditional Leaders to rise up while he pays homage at a public function, the Oguaa Tufohen posited that, "It ought not to happen. It's against our protocols," averred Nana Edu VI.

The Oguaa Tufohen expatiated that, regarding the Chieftaincy hierarchy, "We have the Paramount Chiefs, the Divisional Chiefs, Sub Chiefs, and the Odikro, as well as the Honorary Chiefs. Nobody in Ghana is above a Paramount Chief," emphasizing that "it's not in any protocol for a Paramount Chief sitting in state to rise up for anyone."

Again, he underscored that if any Paramount Chief decides to rise for a former president, incoming president, or sitting president to greet, "It's that person's prerogative. Our protocols say that if a Chief sits, he doesn't rise up again until the whole program is over," rationalizing that a Paramount Chief's seat is guarded to ward off any attempt by bad people from tampering with the seat.

Further, he revealed that most Paramount Chiefs attend public functions with their own seats, and once they sit, they are not required to rise for any reason.

"It's part of our protocols as traditional rulers, so for the president to signal to chiefs to rise up is an affront to our tradition and culture. Somebody should tell him. An elderly should not do this. What type of disrespect is this?" an obviously angry Nana Edu VI quizzed.

The president went through a hell of time to achieve his dream of becoming a president, and "he ought to know that he's the chief servant of the people who must ensure that there is water, food, and jobs for the citizens, and not to walk over our culture and traditions. He cannot do that and it's very wrong and has to be brought down," stressed Nana Edu VI.

He was quick to add that Ghanaians in unison ought to condemn the President's actions, and he found it very pathetic those who are defending such uncultured acts of disrespect to other chiefs from our President.

"They should be ashamed of themselves. Were such persons birthed? Were they given any training? The president's actions are disgraceful and bring shame to us," stated Oguaa Tufohen.

When asked what happens if those Chiefs who were signalled to rise up were not Paramount Chiefs, he answered that personally from his upbringing and his personal nature, he would rise to greet any President at any function, and again too, he isn't a Paramount Chief.

"We need to revere those who reverence are for, not because you're a president... What legacy is he leaving as a president? Is it humility or arrogance?" Nana Edu VI quizzed again.

"I am a student of culture and tradition, and when I see some of these things, I shudder and become afraid. What type of signal is the President trying to send out there? What type of thing is this? What insult is this? Why is he bringing down our culture? Why is he bringing down the last standard reverence in our society? Was he like that as candidate Akufo-Addo? Who would have voted for him if he behaved like that when he was soliciting for our votes? What has changed? Why are some of our elders like this?" he quizzed.

In a bid to advise those who do not see anything wrong with such disregard towards chiefs, Nana Kwame Edu VI said, "When a President, or any other person shows disrespect towards chiefs in a country, it can send a signal of disregard for traditional authority, cultural values, and community cohesion. Chiefs often hold significant influence and respect within their communities, acting as custodians of tradition, mediators, and leaders.

Disrespecting chiefs can undermine their authority and legitimacy, leading to resentment and tension among the population, especially in societies where traditional structures are deeply ingrained. Additionally, it can damage the President's credibility and trustworthiness, as it may be interpreted as a failure to uphold the values and customs cherished by the people that he governs."