The Anlo Dukor Council, representing the traditional authority of the Anlo State in Ghana, has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, to initiate a thorough investigation into disparaging remarks allegedly directed at Dr. Zenator Agyemang-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korley Constituency. The alleged incident occurred during the parliamentary vetting and approval process for ministerial nominees on February 4, 2025, a session broadcast nationally and internationally, attracting significant public attention. The petition, dated February 5, 2025, expresses deep concern over the alleged utterance, reportedly stating, “Shut up, you daughter of a murderer,” aimed at Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings, the eldest daughter of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, a highly respected figure from the Anlo land.
The Anlo Dukor Council, through its representative Togbi Agbesi Awusu III, Awadada of Anlo Dukor, acting on behalf of Togbi Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo State, highlights the severity of the alleged statement, characterizing it as both defamatory and obscene. The petition emphasizes that the insult against Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings transcends a personal attack and constitutes an affront to the dignity of the Anlo people, the Volta Region, and the memory of the late former President Rawlings. The timing of the alleged incident, during a crucial parliamentary proceeding related to the approval of ministerial nominee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, further underscores its gravity. The public nature of the parliamentary session, with widespread media coverage, amplified the impact of the alleged remarks, generating considerable public discourse and concern.
Preliminary investigations by the Council reportedly pointed to two MPs, Mr. Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo Constituency, and Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei, MP for Bosome Freho Constituency, as potential sources of the offensive remark. However, both MPs have categorically denied any involvement in the incident. The Anlo Dukor Council, undeterred by these denials, has urged the Speaker of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation to ascertain the true source of the derogatory statement. This investigation, the petition argues, is crucial not only for vindicating Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings but also for upholding the decorum and integrity of the Parliament of Ghana.
The Council has set a deadline of February 10, 2025, for the resolution of this matter, demonstrating their commitment to swift action and accountability. They have formally requested the Speaker’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for the alleged remarks and in ensuring appropriate disciplinary action is taken. The petition underscores the importance of maintaining respectful conduct and discourse within the parliamentary chamber, especially given the significant influence of parliamentary proceedings on public perception and national unity. The Council’s insistence on a timely resolution reflects their determination to prevent such incidents from recurring and to safeguard the dignity of all members of parliament.
The petition has been widely disseminated, with copies sent to Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings, the two MPs implicated in the preliminary investigations, Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor and Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei, and all media houses. This broad distribution underscores the Council’s commitment to transparency and their intention to keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation. The involvement of the press further emphasizes the public interest in this matter and the importance of upholding ethical standards within the political sphere. The Council’s actions signal their resolve to ensure that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with decorum and respect, and that any breaches of such standards are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.
The Anlo Dukor Council’s petition represents a significant intervention in the ongoing discussion about parliamentary conduct and the responsibility of elected officials to uphold the highest standards of decorum. Their call for a thorough and transparent investigation is a testament to their commitment to seeking justice and accountability for Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings and the Anlo people. Moreover, their insistence on a swift resolution signals a broader concern about the potential erosion of public trust in parliamentary processes if such incidents are not addressed promptly and decisively. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for parliamentary decorum in Ghana and will send a strong message about the importance of respectful and dignified conduct within the legislative body.
