Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has strongly condemned offensive remarks made against Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle-Klottey, during proceedings on February 4, 2025.
During a heated parliamentary debate on the 60th anniversary of the death of Joseph Boakye Danquah, an unidentified male voice shouted, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” The outburst occurred while Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin was calling for calm in the House.
The remark came after Tamale Central MP, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, challenged what he described as exaggerated praises from the Minority regarding JB Danquah’s legacy. The intensity of the exchange prompted Presiding Speaker Andrew Asiamah to restrict further contributions to parliamentary leadership.
Addressing the incident in Parliament on March 3, Speaker Bagbin issued a stern warning, giving the perpetrator one week to come forward or face consequences. He also publicly apologized to Dr. Rawlings and her family, describing the remark as “unwarranted, unjustified, and deeply offensive.”
“It is regrettable that an Hon. Member was subjected to such a reckless and dishonourable remark,” Bagbin stated. “I extend my deepest apologies to Hon. Zanetor Rawlings, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, the family, the chiefs, and all the good people of Anlo.”
The Speaker has called for an official investigation into the matter, stressing the need for decorum and respect in parliamentary discourse.