"This Presidency should be washed with Azar, hunged out to dry for two weeks before the next person takes over" - KKD criticizes Akufo-Addo for disrespecting traditional leaders

Prominent Ghanaian Media Personality and Cultural Icon, King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD), has sharply criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for what he describes as a gross disrespect toward traditional leadership in Ghana.

In a strongly worded statement, KKD lamented the perceived erosion of dignity surrounding the office of the presidency, pointing to an incident where the President allegedly required a traditional chief to rise and salute him during an event.

KKD argued that while the President may hold office for a term, the respect accorded to chiefs, who hold their positions for life, should be unwavering.

"If I make you my president for four years, you are not my chief for life," he asserted, emphasizing that the President’s behavior was not only improper but also a sign of arrogance.

He further explained that the President, as a royal himself, should be well-versed in traditional etiquette.

"If he is a royal, then he should have been called to order by maybe even the Twafo Hene of his village, not the chief himself," KKD stated, expressing disappointment that the President failed to uphold the dignity expected of his office.

KKD contrasted President Akufo-Addo’s actions with those of past Ghanaian leaders, such as former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Evans Atta Mills, as well as military rulers like I.K. Acheampong and F.W.K. Akufo.

He noted that none of these leaders ever demanded such a gesture from traditional leaders, maintaining that such respect should be mutual and not demanded.

"Our presidency has fallen to its lowest level of dignity," KKD lamented, adding that the lack of respect for traditional institutions reflects poorly on the office of the presidency.

He called for a metaphorical cleansing of the presidency, suggesting that it be "washed with Azar and hung out to dry for two weeks before another person takes over."

Furthermore, KKD criticized the Council of State for its apparent silence on the matter.

He questioned the relevance of the council if its advice is not heeded by the President, despite the significant resources allocated to it.

"Maybe our elders were not wise. The young are beginning to notice," he concluded.

KKD's remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing their views on the relationship between the presidency and traditional authorities.

The incident has also reignited the debate on the role and influence of traditional leaders in modern Ghanaian governance.

As the nation reflects on these concerns, it remains to be seen whether any formal response will come from the presidency or traditional councils regarding the criticisms leveled by KKD.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith