Rawlings Foundation petitions Bagbin over unsavoury comment on Zanetor

Ghana - 08 Feb, 2025 - The John Jerry Rawlings Foundation has petitioned Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to investigate alleged unsavoury remarks made against former President Jerry John Rawlings’ daughter, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey Korle.

In a petition signed by Madam Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Executive Director of the Foundation, the organization expressed shock and dismay over unprintable words allegedly uttered by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“Mr Speaker, these toxic and untruthful comments not only tarnish the dignity of Parliament but also damage the reputation of the entire nation,” the petition stated.

The Foundation accused some MPs of using the platform of Parliament to create a toxic political atmosphere, rather than fostering constructive debate.

It emphasized that former President Rawlings, as the first President of the Fourth Republic, played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s longest and most successful democratic era. His dedication to rebuilding the nation’s political and socio-economic structures was evident from his emergence in 1979, through his leadership of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), and into the Fourth Republic.

The statement highlighted Rawlings’ tough but necessary decisions in guiding Ghana out of political and economic challenges. It described him as “Ghana’s Strong Man,” who took firm stances on issues of morality and governance at a time when the nation was in dire need of direction.

Internationally, Rawlings was recognized for his commitment to participatory leadership and his strong anti-corruption stance. “It is dishonest for anyone to attempt to diminish his legacy in a moment of reckless speech,” the petition added.

The Foundation also defended Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as an effective and reliable MP since 2017. It noted that her ability to secure her parliamentary seat three times as an opposition candidate was a significant achievement.

The petition condemned the actions of the MP who allegedly interrupted her during parliamentary proceedings, calling it misogynistic and a gross act of disrespect.

“Mr Speaker, it is disheartening and disturbing that the very House expected to safeguard the legacy of past leaders is now the stage for such abuse and offensive behaviour,” the statement lamented.

As an institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of former President Rawlings, the Foundation, on behalf of millions of Ghanaians, formally requested an investigation into the matter.

It urged Parliament to compel the offending MP to take responsibility and retract the defamatory remarks, which were described as inflammatory, despicable, and disgraceful.

The petition concluded by calling for urgent action on the issue.

Source: GNA