Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a strong condemnation of derogatory comments made against Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle-Klottey, during a heated parliamentary session on February 4, 2025.
During the proceedings, a male voice was heard shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!”
The outburst occurred while Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin was addressing the House and calling for calm.
The remark came amid intense discussions on the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death. Tensions flared after Tamale Central MP, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, challenged what he perceived as exaggerated praise from the Minority regarding JB Danquah’s legacy. As the debate grew more contentious, presiding Speaker Andrew Asiamah intervened, restricting further contributions to parliamentary leadership.
On March 3, Speaker Bagbin formally addressed the matter in Parliament, offering an apology to Dr. Rawlings and her family while issuing a one-week ultimatum for the individual responsible to come forward or face consequences.
“It is regrettable that an Hon. Member was subjected to an unwarranted, unjustified and deeply offensive reckless remark. I apologise for repeating it. Such conduct is dishonourable, and I strongly condemn it as a behaviour unbefitting of a sitting MP.
“I extend my deepest apologies to Hon. Zanetor Rawlings, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, former first lady, the family, the chiefs and all the good people of Anlo and Anlo land,” he stated.
The Speaker’s firm stance underscores Parliament’s commitment to upholding decorum and respect within the legislative chamber.
