The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has denied reports suggesting that the Yagbonwura, the Overlord of Gonja, was instructed to stand and greet President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during a recent event in Damongo. 

Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, issued a statement dismissing the claims as misinformation and urged the public to disregard them.

According to the minister, who was present at the event alongside the President, videos clearly depict President Akufo-Addo approaching the Yagbonwura with smiles, demonstrating respect for the traditional leader who hosted the event. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to reiterate that at no point during the President’s visit to Damongo on Saturday, 27th April 2024, was the Yagbonwura asked to stand up and greet the President", the statement said.

“As Minister, I was with the President at the event, and, as seen clearly on videos, the President, beaming with smiles, walked over and paid homage to the Yagbonwura, who was the host of the event in Damongo. The general public is urged to avoid this deliberate and misleading piece of propaganda, which is being distributed by mischief makers.”

The Ministry emphasised that the tradition of showing respect for authority, including the custom of Chiefs standing when greeting the President, reflects Ghana's cultural heritage and traditions.

The statement reiterated President Akufo-Addo's commitment to upholding Ghanaian cultural values and fostering unity within the nation. It clarified that the practice of Chiefs standing to greet the President is not intended to undermine their dignity or autonomy but rather to recognise their esteemed role in Ghanaian society and to promote mutual respect.

“In conclusion, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs reaffirms President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to upholding Ghanaian cultural values and fostering harmonious relations within the nation. The tradition of showing respect for authority, including the request for Chiefs to stand when greeting the President at public events, serves as a testament to Ghana’s rich heritage and traditions.”

“The call for Chiefs to stand when greeting him at public events is not intended to undermine the dignity or autonomy of traditional leaders. Rather, it is a recognition of their esteemed role in Ghanaian society by embracing the Head of State, thereby showing brotherly love and mutual respect,” the ministry said.