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The Chief of Mempeasem in Accra, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw, has issued an apology for his failure to stand during the national anthem at the Green Ghana event held on the University of Ghana campus.
In a statement released on July 12, 2023, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw admitted to feeling physically weak and unwell on that particular day, which prevented him from standing during the national anthem.
In response to media reports and President Akufo-Addo’s directive, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw clarified that he promptly conveyed his apologies through the presence of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, who was present at the event.
Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw further explained that his health condition significantly hindered his ability to stand during the national anthem on that specific occasion.
Background
On June 9, 2023, Ghana observed Green Ghana Day, an initiative aimed at planting 10 million trees to restore the country’s vegetation cover.
However, the event was not without controversy as the Chief of Mempeasem, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw, and his elders declined to stand when instructed to rise during the national anthem after the arrival of the president.
President Akufo-Addo, noticing this, expressed his displeasure and subsequently directed the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to engage with the traditional authorities.
Sources indicate that the issue was clarified, and the traditional authorities followed proper protocol, including standing for the national anthem, during subsequent activities to mark the conclusion of the event.
“… I will like to state for the records that I did not elect to willfully refuse to stand to observe of the national anthem. No patriotic son of the land will do so, let alone a chief, more so in the presence of the president and other distinguished guests.”
“I did not stand up to observe the national anthem because I felt weak. Even though I was not well and was on medication, I endeavoured to attend the programme because I share the vision of the President for the Green Ghana Day initiative. I was hoping everything will 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 efforts 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 apologised 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 circles that I sat throughout the programme.
“I wish to assure the president and the good people of Ghana, that I am 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 will like therefore [to state that], but for my temporary incapacitation, I will never refuse to willfully properly observe something as important as the national anthem. I am therefore by this communication, unreservedly apologizing, and also encouraging all Ghanaians to exercise restraint with their reactions, especially as directed to the number 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. I wish to thank all Ghanaians for their concern for our forward march and wish mother Ghana peace and prosperity. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong.”
