Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, Chief of Mempeasem near East Legon in the Ayawaso East District of the Greater Accra region, has apologised unreservedly for his failure to stand and observe the National Anthem while it was played at a public function.
In a viral video from last week’s Green Ghana Day celebration, President Akufo-Addo was seen angrily directing the Greater Accra Regional Minister to force the chief to fall in line.
The event which was commemorated at the University of Ghana, took an interesting turn when the Minister, Henry Quartey subsequently walked to the chief to have a word with him.
Three days on, Nii Torgbor has been explaining the circumstance behind his action insisting that he did not wilfully stay away from undertaking the patriotic duty.
“No patriotic son of the land would do so let alone a chief, more so in the presence of the President and other distinguished guests. I did not stand to observe the National Anthem because I felt weak,” he said in a statement.
He said despite being on medication, he had to show up for the event because he shared in the vision of the President for the Green Ghana Day initiative and “was hoping everything would 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 effects 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 apologized through the Regional Minister to the President.”
He further dispelled rumours that he disregarded all protocols throughout the event.
“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 circle that I sat throughout the programme.”
On the back of this, Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI apologised.
“I am, therefore, by this communication, unreservedly apologising and also encouraging all Ghanaians to exercise restraint with their reactions, especially as directed to the number one 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,” he added.
Read full statement below;
