Vice President Bawumia’s recent actions at the Western Regional House of Chiefs have raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about whether his behaviour is genuine or a strategic move to counteract any negative perceptions that may affect his presidential campaign.
He is seen in a video shared by his campaign team via X @BawumiaCampaign shaking hands with Chiefs and Queen mothers as he leads a New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegation for interactions in the Region.
The manner in which government officials, especially the president, greet chiefs has sparked debate, in recent times, following a viral video allegedly showing President Akufo-Addo demanding that some chiefs stand before he greets them.
Customarily, chiefs are typically greeted while seated, as a sign of respect.
Watch that beautiful moment when our hardworking flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia met the Western Regional House of Chiefs🤭❤️💙#BawumiaTours #Bawumia2024 #ItIsPossible pic.twitter.com/hntiEPeSrv
— The Bawumia Campaign 2024 (@BawumiaCampaign) May 2, 2024
This incident has led to widespread discontent among Ghanaians, prompting the Ministry of Chieftaincy to address the matter publicly.
Akufo-Addo shows gross disrespect towards a traditional chief, such arrogance pic.twitter.com/U0zGzYXcjl
— Dzifa GUNU (@DzifaGUNU) May 2, 2024
Comparisons have been drawn between President Akufo-Addo and former President John Mahama, scrutinizing their respective approaches to interacting with traditional leaders.
Discussions have also emerged regarding Akufo-Addo’s interactions with the Otumfuo, the Ashanti monarch, whom he reportedly does not ask to stand for greetings.
Amidst these discussions, President Akufo-Addo recently attended a celebration in the north where the Yagbonwura, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom was present. It was initially circulated that the president had once again requested the Yagbonwura to stand for a greeting.
Yagbonwura refuses to stand up to Akufo-Addo’s orders. What a principled overlord!! Watch the video
pic.twitter.com/xE1uMQM9rQ— Mickey Mittwoch 𓃵 (@MPKwarteng_) April 28, 2024
These claims were quickly refuted by video evidence showing the President waiting in line to pay homage to the new leader.
NDC Propaganda Exposed!
Prez Akufo-Addo never asked the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura, to stand up in this video. @JDMahama's lack of a meaningful message is resorting to desperate and nonsensical tactics.
Thay have always adopted sane tactics in the volta Region pic.twitter.com/xuiBt9pSK5— Esther Asare (@Popskin8586) April 29, 2024
Bawumia’s recent actions have raised questions about whether they reflect his true nature, or if he is attempting to compensate for the negative perception created by the president’s actions, and its effect on his presidential campaign.
The vice president’s gestures, including almost kneeling, prostrating, and bowing, during his interactions with traditional rulers, have become notable. Last November, during a campaign tour in the North, Bawumia laid prostrate on the floor at the palace of The Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bi-Kunuto Jewu Soale I.
Such unusual displays have left many questioning the authenticity of his actions.