Following the controversy surrounding the event of the 2023 Edition Green Ghana Day last Friday between President Akufo-Addo and the Chief of Mempeasem, a suburb in Accra, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI has unreservedly apologized to the President.
In a viral video on social media, President Akufo-Addo is seen at the event ground very infuriated throwing his hands in the air whiles issuing stern instructions to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey.
The Minister subsequently walked to the chief to have a word with him.
According to reports, the President’s anger stemmed from the alleged refusal of the Chief of Mempeasem to stand whiles the National Anthem was being played at the start of the ceremony.
In a statement released by Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, the chief confirmed that he indeed did not stand at the time the National Anthem was played to start the ceremony but however gave reasons that he was not feeling well during the event.
“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, mores 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,” the chief explained.
He therefore unreservedly apologised and also encouraged all Ghanaians to exercise restraint with their reactions, especially as directed to the number one Gentleman of the land.
“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,” the statement noted.
It further added that, “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.
Read below his full apology letter to the President.
APOLOGY TO HIS EXCELLENCY, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, PRESIDENT OF THE 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 my 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, mores 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.
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 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 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.
