Akufo-Addo’s Personal Bodyguard Collapses in Parliament

Colonel Isaac Amponsah, who serves as the personal security detail and Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, experienced a medical emergency and collapsed in Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025, during the President’s final State of the Nation Address.
The unexpected incident occurred while President Akufo-Addo was delivering his address to Parliament. According to reports, Colonel Amponsah, who had been stationed at the President’s side as his ADC since February 2023, suddenly collapsed. He had assumed this important role after Major-General Bismark Onuonah was reassigned to the Army Headquarters as the Commandant of the Training and Doctrine Command for the Ghana Armed Forces.
Before being appointed ADC, Colonel Amponsah had an extensive military career, serving in several senior positions. He was notably the Chief Instructor at the Military Training Academy and had worked in the Defence Intelligence Unit at the General Headquarters. His experience in these roles, alongside his promotion to the rank of Colonel, prepared him for the significant responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of the President.
Following the medical incident, reports confirm that Colonel Amponsah regained consciousness shortly afterward. He was seen being escorted out of the parliamentary chamber by personnel, which alleviated initial concerns about his condition. While his recovery appeared to be swift, the specifics of his medical emergency remain unclear, and no further updates have been provided as of now.
This incident has raised concerns among many, given the vital role Colonel Amponsah plays in ensuring the safety of President Akufo-Addo. As ADC, Colonel Amponsah is responsible for maintaining the security of the President, particularly during high-profile events like the State of the Nation Address, where national leaders and dignitaries are present.
In February 2023, Colonel Amponsah succeeded Major-General Bismark Onuonah, who had previously served as President Akufo-Addo’s ADC. Onuonah’s reassignment to the Ghana Armed Forces’ Training and Doctrine Command was a significant transition, with Colonel Amponsah stepping into the role amidst expectations of ensuring the President’s protection and overall security. The ADC position is a highly prestigious and demanding one, requiring both a deep understanding of military strategy and the ability to handle emergency situations with composure and efficiency.
Since assuming his role as ADC, Colonel Amponsah has managed to uphold his responsibilities diligently, providing invaluable protection to President Akufo-Addo. His role, however, requires constant vigilance, as it is tied to national security and the protection of one of the country’s highest political figures. This makes any health issues concerning the ADC a matter of public interest, as the safety of the President and the stability of the government are inextricably linked to the professionalism and readiness of his security team.
As of now, Colonel Amponsah’s medical condition remains a private matter, with only limited details made available to the public. Officials have not released further information regarding the cause of his collapse, leaving many to await updates as the situation unfolds. Nonetheless, his swift recovery and exit from the chamber provide some comfort regarding his health and well-being.
Given the importance of his position, many will be closely monitoring Colonel Amponsah’s recovery, and there is hope that he will fully regain his health. This incident serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that high-pressure roles like that of the President’s ADC can take on individuals, particularly those involved in demanding security duties.
For now, the focus remains on Colonel Amponsah’s health, and further information may be shared in the coming days as the situation develops.