Claims that the Yagbonwura were asked to stand up and greet President Nana Akufo-Addo have been categorically denied by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

According to media reports, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at an event in Damongo, the President was asked to stand and be greeted by Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Overlord of Gonja.

In a statement, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Stephen Asamoah Boateng urged the public to ignore such false information.

“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.

“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 custom of displaying deference to those in positions of authority, such as asking chiefs to rise when greeting the president in public, is evidence of Ghana’s rich cultural legacy.

“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 ministry made it clear that the request that chiefs rise to greet the president at public events does not mean to diminish the respect that traditional leaders are entitled to.

“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.