Outgoing First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has become the center of online discussions following her reaction after President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered his final State of the Nation Address.
On Friday, January 3, 2025, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past eight years, stating Ghana was not financially distressed and citing nearly $8 billion in gross international reserves as he prepared to leave office.
However, his address drew criticism from Deputy Minority Leader and Ellembele Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who described the president’s leadership as disappointing and ineffective, reflecting the outcome of the December 7 elections.
“This abysmal record was confirmed on December 7th when the people of Ghana delivered the most overwhelming and emphatic vote of rejection any government has ever witnessed in the Fourth Republic,” Buah stated.
He further accused the president of reckless borrowing and financial mismanagement throughout his tenure.
“Mr. President, you will be remembered as the first president who was cautioned by the IMF when you began, and you are still being cautioned at the end of your term. You left something very important in your account – you left out an account of your promise to God to build a cathedral. But, Mr. President, I will leave that between you and your God,” he remarked.
My remarks on the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Akufo-Addo in Parliament today. pic.twitter.com/kfZzmSStV5
— Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (@ArmahKofiBuah) January 3, 2025
After Speaker Alban Bagbin adjourned proceedings, several videos circulating online showed Mrs. Akufo-Addo expressing her displeasure over the Speaker’s perceived failure to rein in Buah’s harsh criticism. She was reportedly seen declining a request from the Speaker and chastising Buah for his comments, saying in Ga, “I won’t go,” while adding, “You sit there and allow people to speak to…”
The First Lady, Madam Rebecca Akufo Addo seen in a brief moment walking out on the Speaker of parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, as she’s heard mumbling “You sit there and allow people people speak to …anyhow”
pic.twitter.com/7NjOcYOqsi— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) January 3, 2025
This reaction has sparked mixed reactions on social media platform X. Some users defended her actions, emphasizing loyalty in marriage.
“No good wife would allow someone talk to the husband like that. Those commenting that she is arrogant and things, how do you feel when your dad that isn’t even on the level of Nana Addo is insulted?” one user wrote.
Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo confronted Hon Buah for describing his husband as the worst President of the Fourth Republic.
She said, “Do not try those words on my husband again.”
It was Afenyo Markin who stepped in and carried her away. pic.twitter.com/uLF4rez6U0
— Yayra Koku (@YayraKoku) January 3, 2025
Others, however, criticized her response, suggesting she lacked tolerance for opposing views. They pointed out that both incoming President John Mahama and former First Lady Lordina Mahama faced criticism during their 2012-2016 administration, with then-NPP presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo labeling Mahama “incompetent.”
Some comments from X users below.
“She is angry and getting protective of her husband is understandable, but does she is angry at how her husband has handled the country?”
“Sadly she was not upset about Serwa Broni, Efia Schwarzenegger and co who said worse things about her husband but Speaker Bagbin?”
“People become uncomfortable and angry when the truth is spoken”
“I remember when Attah Mills was called by Akufo Addo as Lame-dark president. I don’t think her husband was treated the same way. We’re watching oooooo, yoooooo. There’re so many instances we can refer her to ooooo. I don’t think I will ever vote for NPP again with this behavior”
“When her husband referred to Mahama as incompetent, did Mahama’s wife utter a word?. All I can say is that, the Akuffo addo family are non-tolerant. They don’t like criticisms but are the first to criticize when they have the chance.”
