Public relations expert Dr. Neol Nutsugah has expressed disappointment over the reactions and behaviour of outgoing First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo after the final presentation of the State of the Nation Address by her husband, President Akufo-Addo.
According to the lecturer, the First Lady has over the years demonstrated sterling character and has been admired by both sides of the political actors.
However, her behaviour on January 3, 2025, after the SONA, has destroyed her legacy.
Dr. Nutsugah reacted to the viral video, which saw the First Lady slamming the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, over comments made by Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
The Deputy Minority described the outgoing President as the worst in the history of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
The First Lady, after the presentation, took a swipe at the Speaker and refused to greet him.
Dr. Nutsugah, in his opinion, stated that what the First Lady did has cast a shadow on her otherwise sterling legacy.
“In an unprecedented public display, the First Lady snubbed the Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Minority Leader after the event, ostensibly in response to the latter’s sharp critique of the government’s tenure.
Mind you, this critique heavily reflected the opinions of many Ghanaians, as evidenced in the government’s performance at the poll on the 7th of December. This moment of visible discontent has drawn mixed reactions, with critics pointing to a lapse in emotional intelligence and the breach of the dignified comportment she had so meticulously maintained over the years.”
In his view, the First Lady should have remained silent on the matter and not reacted at all.
“Clearly, a more measured response or maintaining silence at the moment could have preserved her image while addressing any grievances diplomatically.Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that public figures are judged as much by their moments of perceived weakness as by their successes. For the First Lady, who has been a symbol of decency and grace throughout her tenure, this moment of frustration risks overshadowing the legacy of integrity she built over eight years, and this is clearly a fiasco in the annals of political public relations strategy. I hope we learn from this.”
Read his full opinion below
What an anticlimactic scene created by “My beautiful Rebecca”??? – My opinion as a Public Relations Strategist
The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has, over the past eight years, been a beacon of humility and impeccable public relations in an administration that is exiting with the most abysmal performance in the 4th republic and mired in several controversies. Her ability to maintain a spotless reputation, admired across political divides, stood as a rare point of pride for the presidency. However, her reaction to remarks made by Deputy Minority Leader Armah Kofi Buah during the President’s final State of the Nation Address has cast a shadow on her otherwise sterling legacy.In an unprecedented public display, the First Lady snubbed the Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Minority Leader after the event, ostensibly in response to the latter’s sharp critique of the government’s tenure. Mind you, this critique heavily reflected the opinions of many Ghanaians as evidenced in the government’s performance at the poll on the 7th of December. This moment of visible discontent has drawn mixed reactions, with critics pointing to a lapse in emotional intelligence and the breach of the dignified comportment she had so meticulously maintained over the years. As a public figure, especially one with a track record of high regard, emotional composure in moments of political tension is critical. While the comments may have been stinging, the First Lady’s role requires a demeanour that rises above the political fray. Her public snub not only risks alienating some of her admirers but also shifts focus from her positive contributions to an incident that projects her as ungracious.This singular act reflects the power of perception in public life, and it hurts me that she chose the very last day of all days for such a display. As a symbol of unity and decorum, the First Lady’s actions reflect the ideals she has upheld. Could she have all these years emboldened the president behind the scenes to make some of the audacious and unpalatable public statements to many stakeholders including chiefs? This incident gets me asking a lot of questions. Clearly, a more measured response or maintaining silence at the moment could have preserved her image while addressing any grievances diplomatically.Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that public figures are judged as much by their moments of perceived weakness as by their successes. For the First Lady, who has been a symbol of decency and grace throughout her tenure, this moment of frustration risks overshadowing the legacy of integrity she built over eight years, and this is clearly a fiasco in the annals of political public relations strategy. I hope we learn from this.
#TheNutsugah
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
