Rawlings Foundation petitions Speaker to probe unsavoury comment about ex-President and Zanetor
The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has petitioned Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin to investigate some “unsavoury” comments believed to have been made by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) about the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and his daughter, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who is currently the MP for Klottey Korle.
In a petition dated February 4, 2025, the Rawlings Foundation expressed disappointment over the comment which they say was “inflammatory, despicable, unconscionable and disgraceful.”
During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, February 4, a male voice was heard shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” referring to the Klottey Korle MP, Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings.
The Foundation condemned the “toxic” and “untruthful” comments, describing them as “not only an indictment on Parliament but on the entire country.”
The Foundation believes these remarks were made by a select group of MPs to “provoke a toxic atmosphere within the political environment” under the guise of Parliament.
The Foundation took the opportunity to defend President Rawlings, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s democratic system.
“As the first President of the Fourth Republic, Rawlings was recognised for his leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to restoring Ghana’s socio-political and economic systems,” the Foundation emphasised. “His tough decisions and strong stance on right and wrong during difficult times were essential to the country’s recovery.”
Furthermore, the Foundation criticised any attempt to diminish President Rawlings’ legacy, noting that he is internationally respected for his commitment to participatory leadership and anti-corruption efforts.
The Foundation said: “Reducing his legacy to a moment of careless commentary is dishonest and unjust.”
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings was also strongly defended in the statement. The Foundation highlighted her effectiveness as an MP since 2017, noting her success in retaining her seat three times, despite being in the opposition.
The Foundation condemned the attempt to silence Dr. Zanetor Rawlings during the parliamentary proceedings, saying the behaviour “exposes his misogyny and bias against women.”
The Foundation expressed deep concern that Parliament, an institution meant to protect the legacies of Ghana’s past leaders, had instead become the site for such “disrespectful and harmful conduct.” They stressed that “this kind of behaviour should not be tolerated.”
In response to these comments, the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, on behalf of millions of Ghanaians, has formally petitioned Parliament to investigate the matter.
The Foundation is calling on Parliament to hold the offending MP accountable, requiring him to “retract the defamatory remarks, which were described as inflammatory and disgraceful.”
The Foundation has urged Parliament to take swift action to ensure that the integrity of the House and the legacies of national leaders are upheld.
