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: peacefmonline.com