Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has rendered unreservedly his deepest apologies to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korley,Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the former First Lady of Ghana and widow of our late illustrious President, the family, the Chiefs and all the good people of Anlo Dukor, and Anloland over unsavoury comments made by unknown MP on the floor of Parliament against t6he family.
“No one serving their country should have to endure such indignity”, forcing the Speake to formally initiate an investigation to determine the identity of the Member who commented, after which “in line with Standing Orders 218 and 219, the Committees of Privileges and Immunities, and Ethics and Standards shall be called upon to consider the referral and report to the House. Parliamentary rules and regulations must be enforced. Decorum must be restored in this House no matter whose ox is gored”.
On Tuesday, 4th February 2025, Hon Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, and daughter of the father of the Fourth Republican Constitution, the late former President, Jerry John Rawlings, sought recognition from the Speaker to contribute to the proceedings on the floor of Parliament.
Media footage available indicates that during this attempt to speak, the unsavoury remark was uttered off-microphone from a seat of the Minority Side of the House, in reference to the Hon Member.
In his official communication to the house, Mr. Speaker on Condemning Unsavoury Comments against Hon. Zanetor Agyeman – Rawlings (Dr) said, such conduct is dishonourable and he strongly condemned it as a behaviour unbefitting of a Member of Parliament.
The speaker cautioned… “let this moment serve as a call to action—a call for introspection, a commitment to raising the standard of public debate, and a pledge to ensure that our disagreements remain intellectual and a market of ideas and wisdom, not personal vendetta based on impulse, instincts and emotions. We must uphold the dignity and majesty of Parliament and not be enslaved in our past, most of which has been misrepresented”.
He said, in the spirit of honour, accountability, and decorum, the Member responsible for the remark, within a week, chose the path of honesty, mea culpa, and opted for a plea bargain as he urged all Members of Parliament, “to let our debates be vibrant but fair. Let our words be truthful, candid and civil. And let our service to the people of Ghana always be guided by honour, integrity, and respect”.
“Taking this step will demonstrate good faith and respect for parliamentary dignity, rather than awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation, which will ultimately uncover the Member who made the statement. I take a very serious view of the matter and failure to take advantage of this window of opportunity, will lead to dire consequences, if finally, unraveled”.
By Edzorna Francis Mensah
