Chiefs not mandated to rise to greet visitors - Atuguba questions Chieftaincy Ministry justification

Raymond Atuguba said the Ministry’s statement defending the President’s actions should not have taken the direction that it did.

President Akufo-Addo has been seen on multiple occasions openly instructing chiefs to rise and greet at events.

This development has triggered conversations surrounding the dynamics of state and traditional protocols.

On the back of similar sentiments, the Ministry indicated that the tradition of showing respect for authority, including the request for Chiefs to stand when greeting the President at public events is a testament to Ghana’s heritage and traditions.

But Prof.

Atuguba said, "It shouldn’t be coming from the ministry of chieftaincy."

"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.

Whoever goes to the palace of the Yagbonwura should not expect the Yagbonwura to rise for him,” he explained in an exclusive interview on JoyNews' AM Show.

Read more: Chieftaincy Ministry: Yagbonwura was never asked to stand and greet Akufo-Addo; ignore deliberate misreporting

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

If you don't want it to apply you need to get out of the event," he added on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

With all these considerations, Prof Atuguba suggested that the Ministry should have known better than put out that press release.