The President’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered another set of political gimmicks, failing to capture the true state of Ghana’s fragile and disunified condition. Instead, it was filled with the usual rhetoric and untruths. The president’s refusal to acknowledge the cries and plights of the people, and an attempt to mask the harsh realities, despite the people’s loud and clear message on December 7th, left many worried. 

Following the President’s final speech, the three (3) time Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, delivered a well captured response that received a lot of applause on the floor of parliament. In his speech, Hon. Buah captured the frustrations of many, describing the outgoing administration as a regrettable experiment that left Ghanaians disillusioned.

While the Deputy Minority Leader’s critique was largely hailed by the people of Ghana as fair and true representation of the people's sentiments, a viral video captured an irate Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of the Republic allegedly confronting him after the session. Her actions, deemed uncharacteristic, have drawn significant reactions, with many questioning whether the First Lady prioritised defending her husband blindly over acknowledging the legitimate concerns of the good people of Ghana.

The role of a First Lady, although not defined in our constitution, is often focused on supporting the president, fostering goodwill, and championing societal causes. Yet, this support does not extend to shielding a leader from valid criticism. It is worth reflecting on whether Rebecca Akufo-Addo used her influence effectively during her husband’s eight years in office to advocate for accountability and fairness.

Did the First Lady advocate for Good Governance?

Mrs. Akufo-Addo’s tenure as First Lady coincided with a period of widespread dissatisfaction in Ghana. Her husband’s government faced numerous allegations, including gross disregard for legal provisions, corruption, undermining traditional authorities, and fostering a climate of vindictiveness and intolerance. Several instances of media suppression and outright attacks on critics including the assassination of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale occurred under the President's watch. These actions were seen as attempts to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.

Throughout these tumultuous years, Mrs. Akufo-Addo remained publicly silent. Ghanaians now question whether she ever attempted to temper the excesses of her husband’s administration. Did she use her position and influence as a mother, wife, and First Lady to advocate for empathy, transparency, and justice?

Again, one might ask whether Rebecca Akufo-Addo witnessed the palpable disdain her husband’s government displayed toward citizens who dared to voice discontent. The illegal and insensitive pilfering of the hard-earned investments of vulnerable retirees through the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP)? The insults hurled at Ghanaians, the dismissal of legitimate grievances, and the unabated hardships under her husband’s administration remain fresh in the public's memory. Yet, her vocal outrage was reserved for a parliamentarian who delivered a balanced critique that captured the sentiments of many.

The First Lady’s Silence: A Missed Opportunity?

Historically, First Ladies like Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama have demonstrated the importance of supporting their husbands while addressing public concerns through impactful initiatives. By advocating for unity and addressing pressing societal issues, they complemented their spouses' governance, reinforcing their administrations' legitimacy.

Eleanor Roosevelt served as First Lady during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history, including the Great Depression and World War II. She redefined the role of the First Lady by stepping beyond ceremonial duties and engaging directly with the struggles of ordinary Americans.

Eleanor became a staunch advocate for social justice, civil rights, and the marginalized, often bringing these issues to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s attention. Often referred to as the “eyes, ears, and legs” of her husband Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), she always had an eye on how the American people were really doing both economically and socially, Eleanor Roosevelt would report her observations to her husband. She would ensure that both Roosevelts remained attuned to what the American public was thinking and feeling.

Similarly, during times of national division over issues such as race, the legacy of slavery, and immigration concerns in the United States, Michelle Obama, leveraged her influence to foster meaningful dialogue and promote unity. Through powerful and inspiring speeches, she consistently reminded Americans of their shared values as a tool for overcoming challenges. Her efforts complemented her husband’s vision for the nation, reinforcing messages of resilience, inclusivity, and a collective commitment to progress.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo, however, appeared to align more closely with the vindictiveness often associated with her husband’s presidency. By confronting Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, she has arguably left a lot of doubt on her role as a dignified and unifying figure. The public is left to wonder why she chose to act so decisively in defense of her husband at this late stage yet remained silent during years of widespread grievances.

The First Lady’s reaction raises critical questions:

**Did she fully understand and empathize with the struggles of Ghanaians over the last eight years?

**Was she unaware of the blatant disregard for accountability, the suppression of free speech, and the vilification of dissenters under her husband’s leadership?

***Why did she reserve her voice to defend her husband against a parliamentarian offering fair critique, rather than using her influence to mitigate the harm inflicted on the nation during her husband’s tenure?

A Blotted Image of Beautiful Rebecca?

Rebecca Akufo-Addo’s legacy, once marked by grace and quiet support, now risks being overshadowed by this singular moment. In choosing to confront a parliamentarian rather than addressing the deeper issues raised in his critique, she has inadvertently aligned herself with the administration’s perceived failings.

As the Akufo-Addo era ends tonight, Ghanaians will undoubtedly reflect on the role of the First Lady in shaping or failing to shape the administration’s response to criticism, governance, and the people’s plight. History may not judge kindly the silence maintained during the years of hardship, nor the confrontational defense that ultimately fell short of the expectations of leadership.

A Note to Future First Ladies

As Ghana looks toward the future, it is important for future First Ladies to recognise the power of their roles not as mere wives and supporters of their spouses but as advocates for justice, equity, and good governance.

A First Lady should complement her husband’s leadership by fostering accountability and listening to the pulse of the nation. She should embody the values of compassion and humility. By doing so, She can help her spouse sail through the challenges of leadership with integrity and leave a legacy that serves as a source of pride for both her family and the nation at large.