Audio Attachment:Listen to Kweku Baako Jnr. on Peace FM's 'kokrokoo' |
Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has vowed not to kneel before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, even though he has great respect for the revered monarch.
Describing him as a wise ruler, the seasoned journalist stated that he will never go to the extent of going on his knees before him, stressing it's his personal choice.
Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi, the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, was emphatic that Ghana's constitution doesn't recognize the mornach system and that his decision not to kneel down before the Asantehene is "not to show disrespect to the King" but it's just a "matter of choice" which is his idiosyncratic right.
He however stressed he has no qualms if another person will pay homage to the King by kneeling because he personally reveres him (Asantehene) and so the part where he will not go on his knees is to exercise his human right as enshrined in the constitution.
"This country is a Republic. Those who chose to pacify the Asantehene Otumfuo by kneeling down; they’re entitled to that. That was their own choice. Kweku Baako won't do that. Of cause not…what are you talking about? I won’t do that! I’m not a coward and I speak my mind. Anybody out there is entitled to disagree with me, but I’ll speak my mind", he asserted.
His submissions comes on the heels of a recent incident where some top executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) went to the Manhyia Palace and knelt before the King to plead with him.
The Asantehene is said to have expressed concerns about the attitude of some members of the party to pitch him against the Okyehene and Akyems, which necessitated the action by the party's executives who reportedly begged the King for clemency.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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He is right. Gabby spoke his mind. Did he ask for forgiveness?
I am completely puzzled that a seasoned and well-respected scribe like Kweku Baako would cause needless and antagonistic debate on this issue. NO ONE IS OBLIGED to kneel before Otimfuor anywhere as a gesture of respect. But like offending your seniors, or Abusuapanin, you go down on your knees to show you are contrite. Those NPP guys went down on their knees before Otimfuor to show their contrition and asked for forgiveness. Kweku if there is ever a need for you to kneel down before the Monarch you would be excused because you might not be able to get up😀
Baako must understand that Otumfuo does not require him to kneel before him. He must understand the circumstances under which such sober and obedient act required instead of making such comments.
The whole issue is that Otumfo has allowed himself to be used by the devil party NDC. We are aware that He is a member of NDC. I do recall how he was treating his own royal JOHN Agyekum Kuffour during his terms in office. I am begging our great King that he about politics and he should not allow himself to use by the National Devil Council (NDC)
Interesting times ahead. Kweku is saying this because he has not been sighted for undermining someone like the Otumfuo so he can go on to blow his horn. He should bring it on and we shall see whether he will not go on his kneels before the Asantehene or even the chief or overlord in his hometown. I bet you, if he offends the Abusuapanyin in his family, he will be compelled to bow to apologize. It is a sign of remorse and repentance so what is he talking about? Give us a break with your too many speeches Kweku Baako
Why are people still fixated arguing about this controversial Ashantehene palaver ; the fact is that you do not have to kneel or kow-tow to this misguided Ashanti Chief if you have the misfortune to meet meet him ; in Japan it is obligatory to bow to people you meet as a sign of respect; humility and religious act; besides in Japan they some still regard their KING as a GOD but that is a matter for them ; if Ashanti people wish to kneel or kowtow before their so called King despite his non progressive behaviour towards Ashanti people ; that is their CHOICE !!!!!;'ENYE BY FORCE WAI !!!!!'
Thanks a lot for coming in here. In the third paragraph,he told the host that he was saying because our constitution does not recognise monarchy.He did not say that to the King as a person,rather,he meant to portray that the whole ideology of the monarchy was sen*seless and bo*gos and should be discarded. Out of the heart the mouth speakers.He has pure hat*red for the ASHANTIS.Let's not go there.
Folks Kweku is right. An am Ashanti, he is not. He is entitled to his views. After all the King himself has waded into politics and that has resulted into all these. I don't blame Kweku. But pls weda Akyems or Ashantis we are all the same. One day we will die. The King will also die one day to be judged by the supreme king himself(God). Ghana must work.
Of course,no one should bow or kneel before a fellow mortal. I can't understand why people are lambasting Kwaku for saying the truth. He won't be infringing on any part of the constitution by not kneeling or bowing before otumfuo. Simple as that. And l think otumfuo himself should discourage such acts of reverence and see himself as a servant of the people instead of a ruler. He should stand up to greet people instead of sitting down for people to kneel or bow down before. The Queen of England at an advanced age of 90 stands up to greet and welcome her guests. For nothing at all it is good exercise for his flabby body!
I think Kweku Baako is still a child and still not wise. There is no need to say all this. Or, is anybody asking you to get on your knees for the Ashanti king?