Ghanaians react as Akufo-Addo’s daughter makes a phone call during national anthem

A video that has gone viral of President Akufo-Addo’s first daughter Edwina Nana Dokua talking on the phone next to her father while the national anthem is playing has drawn mixed views.

The footage was captured at the memorial service for the late President Akufo-Addo’s late wife and mother of Edwina, who passed over 30 years ago.

After the emcee requested the crowd to stand in honor of the anthem, she was seen on camera talking on the phone next to her “no-nonsense” father as the national anthem was being sung.

Others don’t see anything wrong with it, while some social media users claim it smells of a double standard.

The video has received a lot of feedback, especially after President Akufo-Addo recently expressed his displeasure with Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampaw, the chief of Mempeasem, for refusing to stand while the national anthem was being played.

This specific incident happened on June 9, 2023, during a ceremony at the University of Ghana’s Green Ghana Day celebration.

In the video, Akufo-Addo was seen ordering Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, in a heated manner to order the traditional chief to rise. He was upset because although everyone, including himself as the country’s first gentleman, stood to sing the national anthem, the chief stayed seated.

The chief then apologized to the President in a statement, explaining that his inability to stand for the national anthem was caused by his poor health and the side effects of a prescription.

It is considered a sign of respect to stand during the playing of the national anthem in order to honor the country it symbolizes.