The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has cleared the air on a video making rounds on social media about President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo issuing instructions to regional minister Henry Quartey after the national anthem was observed at the 2023 Green Ghana Day event.
The video purports to portray the President as fuming at the Greater Accra Region Minister at the event held at the University of Ghana, Legon on Friday, June 9.
“We feel compelled to address certain misconceptions arising from this footage, as some have unfortunately misinterpreted the video to presume the President was expressing fury at the Greater Accra Regional Minister,” a press release issued by Acting Chief Director of GARCC Jemima Lomotey said.
“On the contrary, the President was instructing the Regional Minister to take prompt action regarding some invited guests who chose to remain seated in disregard to the national anthem that was played before the start of the programme.”
Mrs Lomotey explained in the press release dated Monday, June 12 that Henry Quartey promptly approached the individuals concerned and instructed them as directed by the President.
“It is important to emphasize that the Regional Minister sat alongside HE the President throughout the entire event, exemplifying their harmonious collaboration.”
The Council urged the public to ignore the spin put to the video “to create unwarranted public disaffection”.
“We also call on residents of the region to support the Greater Accra Regional Minister as he advances the ‘Let’s Make Greater Accra Work’ agenda to improve the lot of our region.
“Together we can make Greater Accra a cleaner, healthier and resilient space to live in.”
Meanwhile, the La Mempeasem chief who was seated when the anthem was played has apologised to President Akufo-Addo.
He said he was ill and felt weak after having waited very long for the start of the programme.