The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has expressed profound shock and disappointment following some comments believed to have been made by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) about the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and his daughter, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who is currently the MP for Klottey Korle.
During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, February 4, a male voice was heard shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” referring to the Klottey Korle MP, Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings.
In a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin the Foundation condemned the “toxic” and “false” comments, describing them as “not only damaging to the reputation of Parliament but also harmful to the country.”
The Foundation believes these remarks were part of a wider attempt by a select group of MPs to “create a poisonous atmosphere in the political environment by using Parliament as a platform for divisive rhetoric.”
The Foundation took the opportunity to defend President Rawlings, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s democratic system.
“As the first President of the Fourth Republic, Rawlings was recognised for his leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to restoring Ghana’s socio-political and economic systems,” the Foundation emphasised. “His tough decisions and strong stance on right and wrong during difficult times were essential to the country’s recovery.”
Furthermore, the Foundation criticised any attempt to diminish President Rawlings’ legacy, noting that he is internationally respected for his commitment to participatory leadership and anti-corruption efforts.
The Foundation said: “Reducing his legacy to a moment of careless commentary is dishonest and unjust.”
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings was also strongly defended in the statement. The Foundation highlighted her effectiveness as an MP since 2017, noting her success in retaining her seat three times, despite being in the opposition.
The Foundation condemned the MP’s attempt to silence her during parliamentary proceedings, calling the behaviour “a clear display of misogyny and disrespect.
”The Foundation added, “Such actions reflect a troubling abuse of power and a failure to uphold the integrity of Parliament.”
The Foundation expressed deep concern that Parliament, an institution meant to protect the legacies of Ghana’s past leaders, had instead become the site for such “disrespectful and harmful conduct.” They stressed that “this kind of behaviour should not be tolerated.”
In response to these comments, the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, on behalf of millions of Ghanaians, has formally petitioned Parliament to investigate the matter.
The Foundation is calling on Parliament to hold the offending MP accountable, requiring him to “retract the defamatory remarks, which were described as inflammatory and disgraceful.”
The Foundation has urged Parliament to take swift action to ensure that the integrity of the House and the legacies of national leaders are upheld.
This is the second group to petition the Speaker over the matter after traditional rulers of the Anlo Kingdom in the Volta Region petitioned the Speaker over the incident.
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