In an unexpected turn of events, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) held by President Nana Akufo-Addo was momentarily overshadowed by a medical emergency. Earlier today, during the president’s speech in Parliament, his personal bodyguard, identified as Colonel Isaac Amponsah, collapsed, sparking immediate concern and a swift response from the security detail present.
The incident took place as President Akufo-Addo was detailing the government’s achievements and plans, focusing on digital services and democratic enhancements. Colonel Amponsah, who has served as the President’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) since February 2023, began showing signs of distress before ultimately collapsing. Reports from various sources indicate that he was rubbing his face and appeared to struggle with his breathing and balance before falling to the ground.
The event was captured on video, showing the immediate reaction of other security members who rushed to aid him, ensuring he was quickly attended to by medical personnel and removed from the chamber. This interruption caused a brief pause in the proceedings, but the President continued his address thereafter.
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This incident has raised questions about the preparedness and efficiency of emergency response measures during state functions. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, criticized the lack of an immediate and effective response, highlighting it as indicative of broader flaws within Ghana’s emergency protocols. He also pointed out the President’s failure to acknowledge the incident or express concern for his aide during the speech.
The health and well-being of Colonel Amponsah remain a concern, with no official updates yet on his condition. This event serves as a stark reminder of the human element behind the pomp of state ceremonies, where even those tasked with protecting leaders are not immune to health crises.
The collapse of a presidential bodyguard during such a critical and high-profile event like the SONA not only brings attention to the individual’s health but also to the broader systems in place for handling emergencies. It prompts a necessary review of how these incidents are managed to ensure the safety and security of all involved, including the officials, staff, and the public present at such gatherings.
As Ghana continues to navigate through its political landscape, this incident underscores the importance of robust emergency response strategies to safeguard everyone during national events. The nation now awaits further details on Colonel Amponsah’s recovery and potential changes to security and health protocols for future state functions.