Article by Kwabena Boadu Anafo
A recent incident in Ghana’s Parliament has sparked widespread outrage after a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) directed derogatory comments at Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Koley Klottey. The remarks, which labeled her as “the daughter of a murderer,” have been met with strong condemnation from many Ghanaians, who have described the statement as baseless and disrespectful.
The comments, made on the floor of Parliament, targeted Hon. Zanetor, who is also the first daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings. Critics argue that the attack was unwarranted and unjustified, as she has no connection to the alleged actions of her father. Instead of being subjected to such verbal abuse, many believe that Hon. Zanetor, a dedicated public servant, deserves commendation for her contributions rather than being vilified.
The incident has reignited discussions about the need for respectful and constructive dialogue in Ghana’s political landscape, with calls for accountability and decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
In a show of solidarity with Hon Zanetor, a large crowd of supporters and NDC members from her constituency gathered at the headquarters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party to present a petition. They urged the party to break its silence over the controversial remarks that they claim not only to disparage their Member of Parliament but also demean the late former President—founder of the NDC—tarnish the party’s reputation, and endanger the Rawlings family. The group argued that the inflammatory comments risk exposing the family to public vilification.
In another development, some netizens and popular social media bloggers have expressed anger, openly attacking the opposition party , NPP in order to find two of its members who made the offensive remarks. According to Kevin Taylor, a well-known Tiktoker and journalist, the Minority Leader, who was speaking before the remarks were made, is aware of those of his members who made defamatory remarks and must therefore call their names to face the privilege committee of Parliament to be reprimanded. However, other members of the public are asking the victim of the findings, Hon Zanetor Rawlings, to sue them for defamation and retraction.
