There is nothing wrong with Akufo-Addo asking chiefs to stand before greeting them – Chieftaincy minister

The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has defended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo following criticism after a video surfaced showing him demanding that some traditional chiefs stand before he greets them.

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.

“The tradition of showing respect for authority, deeply embedded in Ghanaian culture, is crucial for fostering unity, order, and mutual respect within communities. Standing when greeting elders, leaders, or persons of authority is a customary gesture of deference and reverence.

“This request for Chiefs to observe this tradition, especially at public events, stems from our commitment to upholding and preserving Ghanaian cultural values, including the principles of respect and hierarchy. It is important to note that the President's position on this tradition is intended as a reaffirmation of cultural norms that underpin Ghanaian society,” the minister wrote.

He added, “The call for chiefs to stand when greeting the president at public events is not meant to diminish the dignity or independence of traditional leaders. Instead, it acknowledges their respected role in Ghanaian society by showing brotherly love and mutual respect".

Asamoah Boateng also mentioned that the president's request is consistent with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which grants the president precedence over all individuals at public gatherings.

“It is important to remember that the Constitution, specifically article 57 (2), states that 'the President shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana.' The President, as the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ghana, is the nation's primary representative both at home and abroad,” he noted.

The minister pointed out that President Akufo-Addo has never asked any chief to stand and greet him in their palace, acknowledging the sanctity of their ancestral spaces.

President Akufo-Addo was recently captured in a viral video clip from a funeral event ordering some traditional leaders to rise before he greets them.

The incident led to the president being criticised by a section of the public including former President John Dramani Mahama, who said Akufo-Addo "asking chiefs to stand up to greet him should be a matter of serious consternation for political watchers”.

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