Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw VI, the Mempeasem Chief, has expressed his regret to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Ghanaian people for not standing up during the National Anthem.
A video that went viral on social media showed the President angrily instructing the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to tell the chief to stand up and respect the National Anthem at the 2023 Green Ghana Day Celebration held at the University of Ghana.
The chief was sitting down while other Ghanaians were standing up for the National Anthem. This annoyed the President.
However, the chief said in a statement that he was not able to stand up because of his poor health condition.
“I want to make it clear that I did not deliberately choose to sit down when the National Anthem was being played. No patriotic citizen of this country would do that, especially a chief, and more so in front of the President and other distinguished guests. I sat down because I felt unwell”.
He added, “At the beginning of the event, the National Anthem was played, and the President was seen telling the Regional Minister for Greater Accra, Hon Henry Quartey, to get me to stand up because I was sitting down while it was being played. I sincerely apologize to the President and all Ghanaians for this unfortunate incident”.
He urged Ghanaians to be careful with their words.
“I am therefore using this opportunity to say sorry without any reservation and also to ask all Ghanaians to be cautious with their reactions, especially towards the number one Gentleman of this land. The President is the guardian of our sovereignty, and thus it is his responsibility at all times to be vigilant in defending it,” he said.
