Chief Apologize to President over National Anthem Snub

The Chief of Mempeasem, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, has apologized to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Ghanaians after failing to stand for the National Anthem.

In a viral video from the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Day Celebration, which was organized at the University of Ghana, the President is seen angrily directing the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to tell the chief to stand up and observe the National Anthem.

The chief was seated while the National Anthem was being observed by other Ghanaians. His action infuriated the President.

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But the chief explained in a statement that he was unable to stand for the National Anthem due to ill health.

The Letter reads,

APOLOGY TO HIS EXCELLENCY, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, PRESIDENT
OFTHE REPUBLIC OF GHANA.

On Friday, 9th June 2023, at the invitation of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipal Assembly, I participated in the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Day Celebration organised at the University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme; “10 Million Trees in a Day”.

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 sincerest apologies to the President and the good
people of Ghana about this rather unfortunate incident.

I would like to state for the records that I did not elect to willfully 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.

Even though I was not well and was on medication, I had endeavored to attend the programme because I share in the vision of the President for the Green Ghana Day initiative. I was
hoping everything would go as planned so I could retire home in time to continue
with my recuperation.

Unfortunately for me, the programme commenced rather late. I had been sitting for a considerable period of time and thus felt weak from the effects of the medication and my ill-health by the time the National Anthem was being observed which was why I was unable to stand on my feet to observe it.

First Apology

I immediately apologized through the Regional Minister to the President.

After that, even though I was still not feeling well, I did my best to stand on my feet for the opening prayer and subsequently, the second observation of the national anthem at the end of the programme in reverence to the President and all the distinguished guests.

This is contrary to the erroneous impression being created in some circle that I sat throughout the programme.

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 willfully to properly observe something as important as the National Anthem.

I am, therefore, by this communication, unreservedly encouraging all Ghanaians to exercise restraint with their apologising and also 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 be  zealous in defending same.

I wish to thank all Ghanaians for their concern for our forward match and wish
Mother Ghana peace and prosperity
May God bless our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong.
Thank you
Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI; Chief of Mempeasem