Second Lady confronts a lieutenant minority head over his notes criticizing President Akufo-Addo. 

​ Accra, Ghana — Tensions flared in Ghana’s Parliament on Friday, January 2025, as Second Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo confronted Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah over his withering criticism of her father, President Nana Akufo-Addo. The President’s last State of the Nation address before he leaves office on December 7 was followed by a heated change.
The fight unfolded as the First Lady left the room, clearly displeased with Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah’s notes. The MP for Ellembele had used his post-address responses to give a scathing examination of the President’s eight-year career, labeling it a loss and a cautionary tale in management.
” Let me remind His Excellency that his tenure in office will remain a timely reminder of how not to govern a country”, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said, adding that the President’s alleged shortcomings were reflected in the December elections, which he described as” the most overwhelming and emphatic vote of rejection” in the nation’s Fourth Republic.
The Deputy Minority Leader cited Ghana’s strained relationship with the International Monetary Fund ( IMF) as well as accusations of reckless borrowing and fiscal mismanagement by the president. He noted that you will be remembered as the first President to have received IMF warnings when you first took office and that you are still receiving them at the end of your term. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah’s comments took a personal turn when he mentioned the President’s unfulfilled promise to build a national cathedral, leaving the matter “between]the President ] and]his ] God”.
Second Lady ReactsThe First Lady’s answer was succinct. A film circulating on the social media platform X shows Mrs. Akufo-Addo violently addressing Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah as she exited the room. Witnesses noticed her irritation as she gestured and spoke vivaciously to the MP, who appeared unprepared for the sudden fight.
In a split incident, another videos captured Mrs. Akufo-Addo recently walking out on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin. As she exited, she may be heard expressing her anger, stating,” You sit there and allow people to speak anyhow”.
Social FalloutThe change has sparked a lot of discussion in Ghana, with political views dividing opinion. Followers of the First Lady praised her for standing up for the President’s legacy, while critics accused her of overstepping her duties and compromising political tradition.
The President’s presidency has been a controversial subject, with critics blaming stagnant infrastructure projects and economical difficulties. Supporters, but, show accomplishments in education and health changes, insisting his administration has laid a basis for future growth.
As President Akufo-Addo prepares to leave company, the divided reactions to Friday’s occasions underscore the strong political and social divides that may shape the region’s second chapter.