Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has strongly condemned the offensive comments made against Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle-Klottey, during parliamentary proceedings on February 4, 2025.
The incident occurred when a male voice was heard shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” while Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was addressing the House, urging calm during a tense debate.
The comments were made amidst discussions surrounding the 60th anniversary of the death of Joseph Boakye Danquah. The debate grew heated when Tamale Central MP, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, criticized what he saw as exaggerated praise for JB Danquah’s legacy.
This exchange escalated further, leading Speaker Andrew Asiamah to limit contributions to only parliamentary leadership, effectively silencing other MPs.
In a formal statement during parliamentary proceedings on March 3, Speaker Bagbin expressed his deep regret and issued a public apology to Dr. Rawlings and her family. He also ordered that the individual responsible for the offensive comments come forward within a week or face consequences.
“It is regrettable that an Hon. Member was subjected to such an unwarranted, unjustified, and deeply offensive remark. I apologize for repeating it. Such conduct is dishonorable, and I strongly condemn it as behavior unbefitting a sitting MP,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
He continued, “I extend my deepest apologies to Hon. Zanetor Rawlings, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, former First Lady, their family, the chiefs, and the good people of Anlo and Anlo land.”
The Speaker’s statement highlights the seriousness with which the matter is being handled, reaffirming the importance of maintaining respect and decorum within the parliamentary environment.
