The Chief of Mempeasem Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI has unreservedly apologize to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his inability to stand on his feet as the National Anthem was being sung during the Green Ghana ceremony at the University of Ghana on June 9, 2023. The Chief blamed his inability to stand on ill health, stressing that but for ill-health, he would have been on his feet as he has always done and especially in the presence of the President.
In an apology letter to the President, the Chief went to great lengths to explain how he was on medication and the weakening impact it had on him, forcing him to remain seated as the National Anthem was played.
He added that following the prompting of the President through the Regional Minister that he ought to be on his feet, he subsequently defied his weakness and ill health and stood up when the anthem was sung the second time.
The Chief also appealed to Ghanaians chiding the President for the manner he acted in getting him to stand to be restraint given that as President, he is duty bound to ensure that the sovereignty of the state is guarded.
“I wish to assure the President and the good people of Ghana that I am a law-abiding citizen of this country. And also as a chief, it is incumbent on me at all times to uphold the sovereignty of this nation as enshrined in the National Anthem. I would therefore but for my temporary incapacitation, never refuse wilfully to properly observe something as important as the National Anthem,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Amanda Clinton named among 100 top African Women Lawyers 2021
President Akufo-Addo was seen apparently upset that the Chief failed to stand up as the National Anthem was played and therefore instructed the Greater Accra Regional Minister to order him to observe the convention. After the incident, some persons have criticised both the Chief and the President for their actions at the ceremony.
Read the full apology below:
Discussion about this post