The Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law has described as misplaced the Chieftaincy Ministry’s advice to traditional leaders regarding customary protocols at events involving the President.
Prof. 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.
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 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.
Latest Stories
-
Is Hon. Johnson Kwadwo Asiedu Nketia the General who knows the Battlefield?
9 minutes -
Burna Boy makes Executive Producing Debut with Pan‑African Thriller “3 Cold Dishes”
16 minutes -
UPSA condemns staff misconduct in viral altercation with student
21 minutes -
Mahama calls for a strong and independent judiciary anchored in justice and service
22 minutes -
Medical facilities in Ahafo Region hail NHIA for prompt payment of claims
37 minutes -
Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai passes away
42 minutes -
Mahama urges judiciary to align justice with people’s needs
59 minutes -
West African cities embrace risk-informed planning in new urban resilience workshop series
1 hour -
Everybody needs a good Nigerian friend – Lucy Quist
2 hours -
EchoHouse crowned Media Agency of The Year at 17th AAG Gong Gong Awards
2 hours -
History will judge how fairly you dispense justice, Mahama tells new justices
2 hours -
Speak through your judgments, not your opinion- President Mahama charges new Supreme Court judges
2 hours -
Doing business in neighbouring West African states will yield more dividends- Enterprise Group
2 hours -
SkyTrain Déjà Vu: Ghana’s 24-hour economy headed for same PPP graveyard
3 hours -
Don’t launch policies and hide documents- Oppong Nkrumah to government
3 hours