A group from the Anlo traditional area, led by the Zipuito of Anlo Duker and former Member of Parliament, Hon. Dan Kwashie Abodakpi, presented a petition to the Speaker today. They called on Parliament to identify the Member of Parliament who made derogatory remarks about Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, referring to her as a “daughter of a murderer” during a debate on a statement eulogizing J.B. Danquah.
Hon. Dan Abodakpi highlighted the contributions of the former first president of the fourth republic, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, stating that Ghana’s current democratic dispensation is due to his invaluable contributions, adding that referring to his daughter in such derogatory terms is both unfortunate and undesirable.
Receiving the petition on behalf of Speaker Bagbin, the Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, acknowledged the gravity of the matter and assured the group that Parliament values decorous behavior. He promised that swift action would be taken to identify the member responsible for the remarks and that appropriate punitive measures would be enforced.
The Speaker in a statement on the Floor of the House condemned the act, stating that such conduct is dishonorable and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament. He added that the identity of the member who violated Parliamentary rules and regulations must be revealed and the rules go erning such behavior enforced.
Speaker Bagbin called for introspection and action in the aftermath of the incident, urging that disagreements remain intellectual rather than emotional. He encouraged the member responsible for the statement to come forward and opt for a plea bargain to avoid the consequences of the ongoing investigation.
Speaker Bagbin also noted that while Order 22 of the Standing Orders grants freedom of speech, it must be exercised in accordance with Parliamentary rules and regulations. He reminded members that they are accountable to the citizenry and must always be mindful of that.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, also urged the member who made the comment to come forward and stated that the majority would support the Privileges Committee in exacting maximum punishment on the individual responsible for the statement.
The Hon Minority Chief Whip, Hon Frank Annor Dompreh expressed the hope that the matter will be brought to an end as soon as possible. He also made reference to two other incidents and called for a resolution to them.
Members of Parliament found guilty of defamation may be suspended from Parliament for nine (9) months or dispelled from Parliament all together.