The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has strongly denied allegations that the Yagbonwura was asked to stand up and greet President Akufo-Addo.

In a categorical statement, the Ministry dismissed the claim as entirely false and urged the public to ignore it.

Recent media reports had suggested that during an event in Damongo on Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, was prompted to stand and greet the President who had briefly participated in traditional anniversary ceremonies.

However, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has refuted the allegation in a statement released on Tuesday, April 30.

He clarified that President Akufo-Addo greeted the Yagbonwura with warmth and respect, without any prompting for him to stand up.

Mr Asamoah Boateng further stated that the President's courteous demeanor towards the Yagbonwura was evident as he greeted the traditional leader, who was the host of the event.

The Ministry emphasised that individuals with ulterior motives maliciously spread such misinformation to tarnish the image of President Akufo-Addo.

It urged the public to remain vigilant against such propaganda and not to allow themselves to be misled by false narratives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to reiterate that at no point during the President’s visit to Damongo on Saturday, 27th April 2024, was the Yagbonwura asked to stand up and greet the President."

“As Minister, I was with the President at the event, and, as seen clearly on videos, the President, beaming with smiles, walked over and paid homage to the Yagbonwura, who was the host of the event in Damongo. The general public is urged to avoid this deliberate and misleading piece of propaganda which is being distributed by mischief makers," an excerpt of the statement said.

The statement elaborated on the tradition of showing respect for authority, highlighting the customary practice of Chiefs standing when greeting the President at public events. This, it emphasised, is a demonstration of Ghana’s rich heritage and traditions.

According to the statement, this tradition is deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, symbolizing the reverence and mutual respect between traditional leaders and the government.

It stressed that such protocols are observed to uphold the dignity of both the Presidency and traditional leadership, fostering unity and harmony within the Ghanaian society.

“In conclusion, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs reaffirms President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to upholding Ghanaian cultural values and fostering harmonious relations within the nation. The tradition of showing respect for authority, including the request for Chiefs to stand when greeting the President at public events, serves as a testament to Ghana’s rich heritage and traditions," the statement concluded.

The accusation comes on the back of a recent viral video in which the President and a man thought to be one of his security detail are seen ordering traditional leaders at a ceremony in the Oti region to get up while he (the president) was going round to exchange pleasantries.