Mahama slammed for leaving Sagrenti War anniversary durbar while Otumfuo sat in state
9th February 2024
Former President John Dramani Mahama has been accused of disrespect, for leaving Thursday's Durbar of Chiefs, by Asanteman to commemorate 150th Anniversary of the Sagrenti War.
The former President was among a host of dignitaries who graced the commemorative occasion, including Vice President Bawumia, former President John Aguekum Kufuor, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and diplomats.
However, to the surprise of many, and the angst of others, former President Mahama left the durbar ground unceremoniously even before the main reason for the event, which is the presentation of Asante artefacts, which the British Colonial Army took away during the Sagrenti War, as well as main addresses for the day.
After Mahama was invited to go and greet the Asantehene, the former President and his entourage, including retired police officer Kofi Boakye and Julius Debrah, did not return to their seats, as it was announced they were leaving.
This stunned a number of people, who openly expressed disappointment in the former President for leaving midstream when the Asantehene and his Paramount Chiefs and Queens were still sitting in state.
"This is totally disrespectful," one angry women yelled in twi, and wondered why the former President Mahama would leave before the beginning of the programme main programme and with the Asantehene seated.
"Look at the calibre of dignitaries here; Otumfuo himself, Asantehenaa, big chiefs, the Vice President, former President Kufuor, the Speaker of Parliament and diplomats and Mahama chooses to walk away. Why does Mahama show all these people disrespect by leaving?," another women said in disbelief.
A group of young men clad in traditional regalia, were also heard equally expressing their disgust, for what they described as disrespect of royal protocol.
"This is total disrespect for traditional protocol by the former President," they said, as they lamented amongst themselves.
"Attending traditional event is different from attending a wedding. If you don't have the time to stay and respect traditional protocol. What former President Mahama did was completely unacceptable," one of them said.
The main programme kicked off after former President Mahama had left, with the British High Commissioner delivering an address, before she and other British officials presented the ornaments which were taken away, to the Asantehene.
A solidarity address by the Vice President Bawumia was delivered, on his behalf, by the Ashanti Regional Minister.
After the address, the ornaments presented to Asanteman was taken to Vice President Bawumia and former President Kufuor to have a feel of it.
In his address, the Asantehene
recounted the history of the Sagrenti War and its significance to the Ashanti Kingdom.