The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has petitioned Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate alleged “unsavoury” comments made by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) about former President Jerry John Rawlings and his daughter, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.
During parliamentary proceedings on February 4, 2025, a male voice was heard shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!”—a remark directed at Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, MP for Klottey Korle.
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In a petition dated February 4, the Foundation described the comment as “inflammatory, despicable, unconscionable, and disgraceful.” It condemned what it termed “toxic and untruthful” remarks, arguing that such conduct is “not only an indictment on Parliament but on the entire country.”
The Foundation believes the remarks were made deliberately to provoke hostility in Parliament and the broader political space. It strongly defended former President Rawlings, describing him as “a leader recognised for his sacrifice, commitment to participatory leadership, and anti-corruption stance.” It criticised any attempt to diminish his legacy, stating, “Reducing his legacy to a moment of careless commentary is dishonest and unjust.”
The Foundation also defended Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, highlighting her electoral successes since 2017 despite being in opposition. It described attempts to silence her in Parliament as “misogynistic and biased against women.”
Calling for accountability, the Foundation urged Parliament to investigate the incident and ensure that the MP responsible “retracts the defamatory remarks.” It stressed that “this kind of behaviour should not be tolerated.”
