Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, Chief of Mempeasem, has unreservedly apologized to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his incapacity to stand during the National Anthem at the Green Ghana ceremony on June 9, 2023 at the University of Ghana. The Chief attributed his inability to stand to ill health, noting that he would have been on his feet as he always has been, notably in the presence of the President, if not for his illness.
In a letter of contrition to the President, the Chief went to great lengths to explain that he was on medication and that its weakening effects forced him to remain seated during the playing of the National Anthem.
In response to the President's request through the Regional Minister that he stand for the second rendition of the national anthem, he defied his frailty and illness and rose to his feet, he said.
The Chief also urged Ghanaians to refrain from criticizing the President for the manner in which he compelled him to stand, as it is his responsibility as President to protect the state's sovereignty.
"I would like to assure the President and the fine people of Ghana that I am a law-abiding citizen. In addition, as a chief, it is my duty at all times to uphold the nation's sovereignty as stated in the National Anthem. If not for my transient incapacity, I would never deliberately disregard something as significant as the National Anthem, he explained.
President Akufo-Addo was reportedly angered that the Chief did not stand during the playing of the national anthem, so he instructed the Greater Accra Regional Minister to instruct him to comply with protocol. Some individuals have criticized both the Chief and the President for their actions at the ceremony following the incident.
Read the complete explanation below: