Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, the Chief of Mempeasem, has apologized to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for not standing for the National Anthem.
In a widely shared video from the University of Ghana’s 2023 Green Ghana Day Celebration, the president is heard exclaiming at the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to urge the chief to stand up and respect the national anthem.
While other Ghanaians sang the National Anthem, the chief was seated. The President was enraged by his behavior.
However, the chief defended his decision in a statement, saying that his health prevented him from standing for the National Anthem.
“I would like to state for the records that I did not elect to wilfully refuse to stand to observe the National Anthem. No patriotic son of the land would do so let alone a chief, more so in the presence of the President and other distinguished guests. I did not stand to observe the National Anthem because I felt weak”.
He added, “At the commencement of the programme, the National Anthem was observed, and the president was seen directing the Regional Minister for Greater Accra, Hon Henry Quartey, to get my attention to observe the anthem because I was seated whilst it was being observed. I respectfully wish to extend my sincerest apologies to the President and the good people of Ghana about this rather unfortunate incident”.
The Chief of Mempeasem called on Ghanaians to be circumspect in their utterances.
“I am, therefore, by this communication, unreservedly apologising and also encouraging all Ghanaians to exercise restraint with their reactions, especially as directed to the number one Gentleman of the land. The President is the custodian of our sovereignty, and thus it is his duty at all times to be zealous in defending same,” he stated.
Read the full statement below
