Ghanaians were a bit taken aback on Tuesday when the President, Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted his congratulations to Norwegians following Karsten Warholm’s world record-breaking run in the 400m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics.
Karsten Warholm won gold in a time of 45.94s, breaking the previous record he set in July.
Despite his impressive performance which has got fans all over the world watching multiple replays of the exciting race, a number of Ghanaians were surprised when the President’s account joined in the excitement.
The tweet, which was posted just before midnight on Tuesday, congratulated “all Norwegians” including Norway Prime Minister, Erma Solberg on Warholm’s win.
Congratulations to all Norwegians, especially their excellent Prime Minister, @erna_solberg, on the outstanding achievement of Karsten Warholm at the Tokyo games.
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) August 3, 2021
Not all Ghanaians were pleased with this tweet, which came two hours after a similar one congratulating Ghanaian boxer, Samuel Takyi, who won bronze in the featherweight division in Tokyo.
A few people replied to the tweet, with the responses, many of which were unflattering to the Ghanaian Head of State, escalating as more people woke up.
The tweet was also coincidentally posted on the ever of the #FixTheCountry protest in Accra which saw thousands of Ghanaians take to the streets to express their displeasure with how various sectors of the country were being run.
While some people expressed disappointment that the President had chosen to tweet about the Norwegians, largely ignoring the Ghanaian contingent at the Games, bar medalist Samuel Takyi, others suggested that the tweet was for diplomatic purposes.
Another person found the tweet so bizarre, they suggested the President’s account might have been hacked.
Mr. President the youth in your country are on the street demonstrating over hardship and poor system in the country. You are congratulating the Norwegians because they have done something good. Am asking have u seen or heard the youth on the streets. You can do better.
— Adum Parker (@parker_adum) August 4, 2021
Our guys are at the tokyo games but you are here congratulating another country’s prime minister on an outstanding achievement. You de3 its like u are just passing through Ghana. Fake promises nkoaa. We will see you tomorrow….#FixTheCountry
— Ewe gal (BLACKO tribes)🔥 (@WishwellP) August 4, 2021
Can’t the president use his platform to address the problems we’re facing in this country. He has been silent on the youth activism to fix the country but has time to talk about other countries. #FixTheCountry demonstration happens today!
— Unsullied (@kofi_pierce) August 4, 2021
I equally think his Account has been hacked. Unimaginable, @NAkufoAddo please come clear again.
— Tɔgbe Ɖzatse Eɖem (@TogbeDzatse) August 4, 2021
Fix your country. This doesn’t concern you. We didn’t vote for you as a foreign affairs coordinator
— 🐐Jnr (@jaystiga) August 3, 2021
They have oil and we have the gold plus some loose oil.
They have modern sports facilities, their athletics get support from govt funds. I am sure they will win many more metals at the games.
You wanna know one thing they don’t have ? CATHEDRAL.— 𝖔𝖇𝖊𝖓™ (@Oben_2020) August 4, 2021
Invest in the Ghana Olympics committee and stop the Blackstars things. These athletes have bright future. Just invest in them and stop giving 25m dollars to blackstars only. The athletes are worth more than this blackstars team
— Prince Opoku🇬🇭💖 (@PrinceO98753813) August 3, 2021
Nana now eggs are 1.50gh instead of 1gh! What is happening Addo D?
— Anero beezy✰ (@AneroBeezy) August 4, 2021
He wants to go and beg for money be that oo.
— Che🇬🇭🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@CheEsquire) August 4, 2021
And you can’t even do the same it seems like you was born to congratulate others fix your own #FixTheCountryNow
— Jr Chrispin✨ (@iamchrispinJr) August 4, 2021
