MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings defends late father Jerry Rawlings amid criticism

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, has defended her late father, former President Jerry John Rawlings, against ongoing criticism over his role in Ghana’s revolutionary era, affirming that she will never publicly or privately disown her parents.

Speaking on the JoyNews podcast Talk No Dey Cook Rice, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings described personal attacks linked to her father’s legacy as immature and cowardly.

“I will not publicly or privately turn my back on my parents because I know what they did. Sometimes, the loudest voice is not the most honest voice,” she said.

Acknowledging that her father’s leadership during the revolution was controversial, the MP said much of the negative public perception was shaped by misinformation. She noted that several accusations directed at her father had little to do with his direct actions.

“I’m not under any illusion that my father was loved by everyone. There has been a lot of misinformation. As a leader, he decided that he would let the buck stop with him. A lot of things people accused him of had nothing to do with him, but he took it all on because that’s what leaders do,” she explained.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also revealed that some individuals with intimate knowledge of Ghana’s political history have chosen to remain silent rather than correct the record. She highlighted that her father had publicly acknowledged excesses during the revolution and offered apologies on multiple occasions, including for actions taken by individuals outside his awareness.

On personal attacks aimed at her, the MP condemned those who targeted her simply because of her father:

“In a society where people feel they must have a swipe at the child of someone because of their disdain for the parent, I’m not quite sure it shows some level of maturity. I have no respect for people who are cowards. If you have something to say, own up and say it’s you. Own what you’ve said.”

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ comments reinforce her commitment to defending her family’s legacy while challenging what she perceives as misguided criticisms based on hearsay or personal bias.