The J.J. Rawlings Foundation is reeling from shocking comments allegedly made by an NPP MP about the late President Jerry John Rawlings and his daughter, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the current MP for Klottey Korle. The Foundation has expressed deep disappointment and outrage over these remarks, calling them utterly unacceptable.
The outburst occurred in Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, when a male voice was heard yelling insults at Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, referring to her as the “daughter of a murderer” and telling her to sit down. This disturbing incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the level of respect and decorum in parliamentary proceedings. In a petition to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, the Foundation condemned the “toxic” and “false” remarks, arguing that they not only damage Parliament’s reputation but also harm the country’s democratic discourse.
The Foundation believes some MPs are deliberately using hateful language to stir political tension and create division. It warned against the rise of an “us versus them” mentality in Ghanaian politics, citing inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Frank Annoh-Dompreh, which has previously sparked public outrage. Defending President Rawlings’ legacy, the Foundation highlighted his crucial role in Ghana’s transition to democracy, emphasizing that he was widely recognized as a transformative leader who oversaw the country’s shift from military rule to a multi-party system. “As the first President of the Fourth Republic, Rawlings was known for his leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to restoring Ghana’s socio-political and economic stability,” the Foundation stated.