Chiefs not obliged to stand to greet president - Prof Atuguba chides chieftaincy ministry

The Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law has criticised the Ministry of Chieftaincy's recent advice to traditional leaders regarding customary protocols at events involving the President, describing it as misplaced.

Prof Raymond Atuguba expressed that the Ministry's statement defending the President's actions in a viral video asking some chiefs to stand and greet him should have taken a different direction, rather than justifying his behaviour.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's public actions, including openly instructing chiefs to rise and greet at events, have sparked discussions on the balance between state and traditional protocols.

In response to similar sentiments, the Ministry emphasised the tradition of showing respect for authority, including the practice of chiefs standing when greeting the President at public events, as a reflection of Ghana's heritage and traditions.

However, Prof Atuguba disagreed with this perspective stating that such statements should not be issued by the Ministry of Chieftaincy.

He negated the Ministry's claims while speaking in an interview on the AM show on Accra-based Joy News TV on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

“They should know better.

"They should know that whoever goes to the palace of the Asantehene should not expect the Asantehene to rise for him.

"They should know that whoever goes to the palace of the Okyenhene should not expect the Okyenhene to rise for him.

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"Whoever goes to the palace of the Yagbonwura should not expect the Yagbonwura to rise for him,” he explained.

He believes the Constitutional provision referenced by the Ministry’s statement is not enough.

He cited Article 270 (1) as one that gives the chiefs the backing to control affairs.

“In their land, they have obeisance from their people. Once you enter that land and you go into a traditional or customary session or event, Article 270 (1) kicks in.

"If you don’t want it to apply, you need to get out of the event,” he added.

With all these considerations, Prof Atuguba suggested that the Ministry should have known better than put out their press release in defence of President Akufo-Addo.