Public Relations expert Dr. Neol Nutsugah has expressed disappointment over the reactions and behavior of outgoing First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo following the final presentation of the State of the Nation Address by her husband, President Akufo-Addo.

According to Dr. Nutsugah, the First Lady has demonstrated sterling character over the years and has been admired by both sides of the political spectrum. However, her behavior on January 3, 2025, after the SONA, has tarnished her legacy.

Dr. Nutsugah's comments came in response to a viral video showing the First Lady slamming the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, over remarks made by Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.

The Deputy Minority Leader had described the outgoing President as the worst in the history of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. After the address, the First Lady appeared to take offense, refusing to greet the Speaker and showing visible discontent.

In his opinion, Dr. Nutsugah stated that the First Lady's actions had cast a shadow on her otherwise sterling reputation.

“In an unprecedented public display, the First Lady snubbed the Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Minority Leader after the event, ostensibly in response to the latter’s sharp critique of the government’s tenure,” he noted.

“Mind you, this critique heavily reflected the opinions of many Ghanaians, as evidenced in the government’s performance at the polls on December 7. This moment of visible discontent has drawn mixed reactions, with critics pointing to a lapse in emotional intelligence and a breach of the dignified comportment she had so meticulously maintained over the years.”

Dr. Nutsugah argued that the First Lady should have remained silent or responded in a more measured manner.

“Clearly, a more measured response or maintaining silence at the moment could have preserved her image while addressing any grievances diplomatically,” he said.

He emphasised that public figures are judged not only by their successes but also by moments of perceived weakness.

“For the First Lady, who has been a symbol of decency and grace throughout her tenure, this moment of frustration risks overshadowing the legacy of integrity she built over eight years,” he added.

“This is clearly a fiasco in the annals of political public relations strategy. I hope we learn from this.”

Read Dr. Nutsugah's full opinion below:

What an anticlimactic scene created by 'My beautiful Rebecca'??? – My Opinion as a Public Relations Strategist

The First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has, over the past eight years, been a beacon of humility and impeccable public relations in an administration exiting with the most abysmal performance in the Fourth Republic and mired in several controversies. Her ability to maintain a spotless reputation, admired across political divides, stood as a rare point of pride for the presidency.

However, her reaction to remarks made by Deputy Minority Leader Armah Kofi Buah during the President’s final State of the Nation Address has cast a shadow on her otherwise sterling legacy. In an unprecedented public display, the First Lady snubbed the Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Minority Leader after the event, ostensibly in response to the latter’s sharp critique of the government’s tenure. Mind you, this critique heavily reflected the opinions of many Ghanaians, as evidenced in the government’s performance at the polls on December 7.

This moment of visible discontent has drawn mixed reactions, with critics pointing to a lapse in emotional intelligence and a breach of the dignified comportment she had so meticulously maintained over the years. As a public figure, especially one with a track record of high regard, emotional composure in moments of political tension is critical. While the comments may have been stinging, the First Lady’s role requires a demeanor that rises above the political fray. Her public snub not only risks alienating some of her admirers but also shifts focus from her positive contributions to an incident that projects her as ungracious.

This singular act reflects the power of perception in public life, and it hurts me that she chose the very last day of all days for such a display. As a symbol of unity and decorum, the First Lady’s actions reflect the ideals she has upheld. Could she have, all these years, emboldened the president behind the scenes to make some of the audacious and unpalatable public statements to many stakeholders, including chiefs? This incident has me asking a lot of questions.

Clearly, a more measured response or maintaining silence at the moment could have preserved her image while addressing any grievances diplomatically. Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that public figures are judged as much by their moments of perceived weakness as by their successes. For the First Lady, who has been a symbol of decency and grace throughout her tenure, this moment of frustration risks overshadowing the legacy of integrity she built over eight years, and this is clearly a fiasco in the annals of political public relations strategy. I hope we learn from this.