The John Jerry Rawlings Foundation has formally petitioned Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to investigate alleged unsavoury remarks made against Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey Korle and daughter of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
The petition, signed by Madam Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed deep shock and disappointment over what it described as unprintable and unacceptable words allegedly uttered by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
According to the petition, such comments were not only toxic and untruthful but also tarnished the dignity of Parliament and Ghana’s reputation as a democratic nation. It emphasized that Parliament should be a place for constructive debate and policy discussions, not a platform for personal attacks and character assassination. The Foundation accused some MPs of creating a toxic political atmosphere rather than fostering a spirit of unity and progress.
The Foundation reminded Parliament of the contributions of former President Rawlings, who played a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s democratic landscape. As the first President of the Fourth Republic, Rawlings was instrumental in steering the country from political instability to a period of sustained democracy and economic restructuring. His leadership from 1979, through the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era, and into the establishment of the Fourth Republic laid the foundation for Ghana’s longest democratic period.
The petition underscored that Rawlings’ legacy cannot be erased or diminished by reckless political speech. It described him as “Ghana’s Strong Man,” known for his firm moral stance, his dedication to justice, and his determination to root out corruption. Internationally, Rawlings was respected for his participatory leadership style and his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption. Any attempt to distort his legacy, the petition stressed, was dishonest and unacceptable.
Beyond defending the former President’s legacy, the petition also emphasized the contributions of Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as an effective and reliable MP since assuming office in 2017. The Foundation noted that winning a parliamentary seat three times as an opposition candidate was no small feat and was a testament to her dedication and service to the people of Klottey Korle. The petition criticized the alleged attack on her character, describing it as an example of the deep-seated misogyny still present in the country’s political landscape.
It condemned the actions of the MP who reportedly interrupted her during parliamentary proceedings, calling it a blatant act of disrespect that should not be tolerated in a House that prides itself on upholding democratic values. The Foundation expressed concern that such behaviour, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent where female leaders are unfairly targeted and undermined.
The statement further lamented that the very institution tasked with safeguarding the legacy of past leaders and promoting responsible governance had become a stage for abuse and offensive rhetoric. The Foundation called on Parliament to uphold its integrity and ensure that its proceedings reflect the respect and decorum expected of a legislative body.
In light of the gravity of the issue, the Foundation, on behalf of millions of Ghanaians who respect and honour the memory of former President Rawlings, urged Parliament to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. It requested that the MP responsible for the alleged defamatory remarks be held accountable and be compelled to issue a public retraction.
The petition described the remarks as inflammatory, despicable, and disgraceful, arguing that they had no place in a democratic society that values dignity and respect for its leaders. It warned that failure to take appropriate action would only embolden others to engage in similar attacks, thereby eroding the credibility of Parliament as an institution.
The Foundation concluded its petition by stressing the urgency of the matter and calling on the Speaker to take immediate steps to address the situation. It reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the legacy of former President Rawlings and ensuring that public figures, especially women in leadership, are accorded the respect they deserve. The petition ended with a strong appeal for accountability, urging Parliament to set a standard that promotes constructive discourse rather than character defamation.
As the petition awaits a response, the incident has sparked widespread debate, with many Ghanaians expressing concern over the deteriorating nature of political discourse in the country. Political analysts and civil society organizations have also weighed in, calling for a return to decency and professionalism in parliamentary engagements. Many believe that this case will be a test of Parliament’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, is subjected to unwarranted attacks in the House.
For now, all eyes are on Speaker Bagbin and the leadership of Parliament to see how they will handle the petition and whether decisive action will be taken to address what has become a growing concern in Ghana’s political space.
