The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has officially petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, calling for an investigation into derogatory comments made about the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and his daughter, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the current Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle.
The incident took place during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and has sparked outrage.
In its petition, the Foundation expressed “absolute disbelief” at the “unprintable words” spoken by a member of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The remarks, described as “toxic and untruthful,” were seen as an affront not only to the dignity of Parliament but to the country as a whole.
The Foundation condemned the comments, highlighting that they represented a troubling effort by a small group of MPs to use the Parliament as a platform for spreading negativity and creating division.
“This behaviour exposed a desire by a select few members of Parliament to hide under the guise of the August House to provoke a toxic atmosphere within the political environment,” the petition stated.
The Foundation also underscored the legacy of President Rawlings, emphasising his crucial role as the first President of the Fourth Republic.
“His exceptional sacrifice, selfless leadership, and unrelenting commitment to rebuilding our political and socio-economic fabric are a testament to his enduring impact,” it said, noting that Rawlings made tough decisions that helped steer Ghana out of political and economic turmoil.
Turning to Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the petition lauded her work as an MP since 2017, noting her ability to retain her seat in the opposition despite fierce competition.
“Holding on to her seat as an opposition member and winning three times in a row is no small feat,” the Foundation stated.
The petition further condemned the “crude” attempt to “shut her down” during Parliamentary proceedings, describing it as a clear example of misogyny and “gross abuse and disrespect.”
The Foundation called on Parliament to take immediate action, demanding that the offending member retract the inflammatory remarks and take responsibility for the “defamatory” comments.
It called for “urgent action” to hold those responsible accountable and protect the dignity of the institution.
