The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament condemned derogatory references made to Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings during a session on February 4, 2025. He described the comments as deeply offensive and initiated an investigation. The incident has sparked calls for civility within political dialogue, with the Majority Leader urging accountability from the offending MP.
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, has denounced offensive comments directed at Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, an MP for Klottey Korle from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). During a parliamentary session on February 4, 2025, remarks referring to her as the “daughter of a murderer” were made, which he termed as “unwarranted, unjustified, and deeply offensive.” He expressed his regret in repeating such comments while condemning the behavior as dishonorable and inappropriate for a Member of Parliament.
The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has lodged a petition requesting that Parliament investigates these remarks and takes appropriate action against the responsible Member of Parliament. They characterized the comments as “toxic and untruthful,” indicating that certain MPs are contributing to a hostile political climate within Parliament. The Speaker reaffirmed that, although freedom of speech is a privilege for MPs, it should be exercised with accountability and care.
Mr. Bagbin emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue in Parliament, stating, “Parliament is a place for constructive debate, guided by principles of mutual respect and integrity.” He acknowledged the necessity for spirited discussions while insisting that language that insults or demeans others is unacceptable. A formal inquiry has been launched to identify the MP who made the disparaging comments, with a recommendation for the individual to accept responsibility soon.
The Majority Leader, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, urging the offending MP to step forward to take accountability. He cautioned that failure to do so would prompt the House to support stringent sanctions against the individual once identified during the investigation. The controversy surrounding the remarks has ignited a call for greater civility and adherence to parliamentary decorum.
This incident unfolded in a fraught parliamentary environment, coinciding with discussions commemorating the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death. Amid these debates, an unidentified voice from the backbenches launched the derogatory remark, which insinuated an involvement of Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ father in past political violence. This incident led to immediate outrage and condemnation from various MPs, highlighting the need for a respect-driven discourse within Ghanaian politics.
In conclusion, the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament has strongly condemned the derogatory remarks aimed at Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, underscoring the importance of civility in political discourse. He has initiated an investigation to hold the offending MP accountable while urging that parliamentary debates adhere to mutual respect. The event reflects ongoing concerns about the tone and conduct within Ghana’s legislative body and emphasizes a collective responsibility to uphold integrity and respect among members.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
