Prof Kwesi Yankah writes: Public Protocols and My Waist Pains

1999, at a farewell reception held at Manhyia by Otumfuo Osei Tutu for Hon Kojo Yankah, then outgoing Ashanti Regional Minister; I had worn my ‘Christmas’ cloth, set to serially shake hands with chiefs and elders lined up at the reception on grounds?

I did not quite reach the third in-line, when I was reprimanded to retreat and reverse my cloth wear before further damage.

Walking with a swagger to the event, I had completely forgotten to leave behind my left-hand ways and had worn my cloth as a ‘leftee’ exposing my left shoulder.

Within seconds, I was called to order and had to comply, ending up with the clumsy looks of an Achimota boy in cloth wear.

Looking at one current presidential candidate, I marvel at the physical effort involved in his extraordinarily low bow greeting chiefs, and keep wondering if his lower back column is endowed with any bones!

stampede to their feet, straighten cloth wear and respond to royal greetings, internalizing their fury.

Thus while the entire congregation was upstanding the rebels remained seated, as the ‘chief’ did his rounds with hand waves