By: Venerable Nathaniel Nartey
Monday, June 12, 2023.
Ghana’s national anthem, like other national symbols of a country, represents our tradition, history, and beliefs. It, therefore, helps evoke the feelings of patriotism among us as Ghanaians and reminds us of our nation’s glory, beauty, and rich heritage. For that reason, each time there is a national or state event which calls for the presence of the president of the land or his representatives, the National Anthem ought to be sung. Apart from the evocation of the feelings of patriotism, it also evokes the spirit of unity, oneness or belongingness.
All the world over, apart from the physically challenged who might not be able to stand up whenever a national Anthem is being sung, everyone, no matter their status in life, stands upright to the patriotic tune. It is symbolic of their belief in the lyrics, as well as their preparedness to joining energies to build our beloved country with a concerted effort.
In fact, what transpired at the Green Ghana function that took place in Accra last week was unfortunate because of the misconception or misrepresentation of the president’s seemingly irate gestures towards the disciplinarian and forever best Regional Minister of Greater Accra, Hon Henry Quartey.
In this episode the President Dr Nana Addo Dankwa Afkufo Addo almost heated up the Odododiodoo missiles in him. I thank God that the palava chief was not seated near him, he would have learned that the president was once a Bukom Boxer, born and bread in Swalaba, Usher town and former pupil of Accra Government School Jamestown all inside Ga Mashie, Accra.
The president never asked Hon Quartey to move away from where he was sitting because he did not stand up to the tune of the national Anthem. Rather, he was making a former accusation to the Hon minister about some chiefs, the president got infuriated because some chief or chiefs were disrespecting the national Anthem by remaining seated. Prior to the Green Ghana function, the President had attended the launching of the new hospital complex for Psychiatry Department at Korle Bu Teachings Hospital and was discontented in some chiefs who didn’t stand in homage, or not paying attention and allegiance to Ghana, when the national anthem was playing.
It should be noted that the Hon Minister never erred by carrying out the orders of the president. It was rather the chiefs who erred by not respecting the national Anthem. If per their beliefs or tradional religion, a chief is not supposed to stand up during national Anthem, there are mo qualms about that. However, it is most prudent to stay away from such national functions in order not to create an atmosphere of unpatriotic demeanour on the part of the chiefs. Or better still, a Chief can delegate some of his subjects to represent him, rather than being accustom to careless behavior in state functions.
Even the Ashanti king, Otunfuo Osei Tutu II, and his predecessors who pride themselves very much when it comes to traditions and customary practices respect the national Anthem.
Were not Ga chiefs respecting the national Anthem in the days when British governors were ruling the nation? It is time they chose between being in attendance at state functions and stand up to national Anthem or they sit down at home and watch proceedings virtually to avoid further embarrassment.
And let the sleeping dogs lie down over those who want to drag Hon Henry Quartey’s name in the mud as if he has committed any crime. He did what he had to do at that material time to calm down his master’s nerves. Let’s rather continue giving him the support SPACE he needs so that he can continue with the admirable PACE at which he i fervently helping to develop the region.
GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA
AND MAKE US GREAT AND STRONG.
Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey
The Jamestown Post
