Drama unfolded in Gonjaland when the Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, refused to stand up to greet President Akufo-Addo.
During the 48th Annual Congress of the Gonjaland Youth Association and the 1st Anniversary of the enskinment of the Gonja Overlord, a video captured President Akufo-Addo approaching the king to greet him. However, the Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I raised his hands in a gesture indicating that he would not stand up from his throne to greet the President.
Some officials from the Yagbonwura Palace were overheard insulting President Akufo-Addo for expecting their King to stand up before greeting him.
The incident has sparked negative reactions on social media towards President Akufo-Addo.
“Our King won’t rise from his skins in public to shake hands with anybody, not even the President of the United States of America. Akufo-Addo tried it elsewhere and it worked but not in Gonjaland.” Mahama Haruna, a Gonja activist and journalist wrote.
“Akufo-Addo was standing waiting for the King and Overlord of Gonja (Yagbonwura) to get up and greet him but some people around the King protested. He Yagbonwura himself through a gesture made it clear he won’t get up.These are issues we know but never commented because we dont want people to say we are doing politics.” He added.
Last week, a video went viral on social media showing President Akufo-Addo at an event believed to be a funeral, where he was seen approaching traditional leaders. However, what should have been a simple greeting turned into a controversial moment when the president and one of his bodyguards signaled for some chiefs to stand before he greeted them.
In the video, President Akufo-Addo gestured for a seated chief to rise before extending his hand for a handshake. This action sparked debate and speculation about the president’s intentions and the appropriateness of his behavior.
The video captured a unique interaction between the president and the traditional leader, leaving many questioning the significance of the gestures and the underlying message being communicated. This incident has since sparked discussions about cultural norms, respect, and protocol when interacting with traditional leaders in Ghanaian society.
