Colonel Isaac Amponsah, the Aide-de-Camp to Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Friday, slumped while standing behind the President during the latter’s final State of the Nation address at the Parliament.
Colonel Amponsah collapsed shortly after the outgoing President Akufo-Addo began delivering his speech, which focused on the government’s achievements and plans for Ghana during his stewardship.
According to the viral video of the incident, which was televised live, Col. Amponsah, who has served in the President’s security team for many years, suddenly lost his balance and fell down behind the President.
The incident caused immediate momentary concern, prompting Parliament’s medical team to rush to the scene and aided the ADC out of the chamber for medical attention.
Col. Amponsah was given first aid on the spot before being quickly taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
President Akufo-Addo, visibly worried about the situation, paused his speech for a moment to ensure that his ADC was receiving proper care.
According to Wikipedia, an aide-de-camp (a French expression) literally means “helper in the [military] camp”, who is a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank, usually a senior military, police or government officer, or to a member of a royal family or a head of state.
An ADC may participate at ceremonial functions, and the first aide-de-camp is typically the foremost personal aide. This is not to be confused with an adjutant, who is the senior administrator of a military unit.
The badge of office for an aide-de-camp is usually the aiguillette, a braided cord in gold or other colours, worn on the shoulder of a uniform. Whether it is worn on the left or the right shoulder is dictated by protocol.
Although the address was briefly interrupted, the event continued without further disruptions.
The speech marked a significant moment as it was the President’s final address to Parliament before his term ends, reflecting on the nation’s progress and future direction.