A recent funeral in the Ashanti Region has become the focal point of a heated debate on protocol and respect for authority. President Nana Akufo-Addo attended the funeral, but a unexpected moment stole the headlines.
As the President approached the seated chief, the chief extended his hand for a handshake. However, President Akufo-Addo surprisingly refused to shake hands, questioning why the chief remained seated while offering greetings.
The incident has sparked a lively debate on social media, with some defending the President’s actions as a stance for respect and protocol, while others see it as a breach of tradition and disrespect towards the chief.
Supporters of the President argue that it’s customary for individuals to stand when greeting high-ranking officials like the President, as a sign of respect. Critics, however, believe the President should have shown humility and respect for the chief’s position, despite any perceived breach of protocol.
Social media users quickly weighed in on the incident, with opinions divided on the President’s actions.
“What’s actually his problem with chiefs sitting down to greet him, most saw this arrogant life in him even before 2012 election began….” tweeted one.
“This practice our president keeps displaying is influencing our youth or others to disrespect our chiefs,” commented another.
Others defended the President’s actions, citing respect for the office and his age.
“Why you hating Addo D. He is the president and must be accorded respect as such,” wrote another.
“He’s right, he’s the president first of all and he’s also older than them so that’s the right thing to do,” added another.
Some commenters noted the selective nature of the President’s actions, questioning why he doesn’t extend the same expectations to all chiefs.
“My only problem is why he doesn’t do it to other chiefs, it’s like he’s selective with it,” said one.
Others called for a more nuanced approach, considering both protocol and cultural context.
“Sometimes we need to put politics aside and think ordinarily. Sitting down while a whole President is on his toes greeting you is wrong. It is a big disrespect to the President and the Nation. Imagine he came with another country’s President, how will they see Gh?” asked another.
The debate continues to rage on social media, highlighting the complexities of cultural norms, respect, and authority in Ghana.
Watch video;
President Akufo-Addo refused to shake hands with a chief at a funeral in the Ashanti Region, questioning why the chief wanted to shake hands with him while sitting. pic.twitter.com/BYjYBQuN6a
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) June 30, 2024
