KEY POINTS
- Sam George urges Parliament to review CCTV footage for evidence.
- Two MPs deny involvement in the offensive remark.
- Parliament faces pressure to take disciplinary action.
Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Sam Nartey George, has called on Parliament to review CCTV footage to identify the Member of Parliament responsible for making an offensive remark about Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the MP for Klottey Korle.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile on February 8, 2025, George strongly condemned the remark, which referred to Agyeman-Rawlings as the “daughter of a murderer” during a parliamentary session.
He described the comment as dishonorable and unacceptable and insisted that Parliament must take decisive action to hold the culprit accountable.
“We need to get to the bottom of this,” George said. He explained that the remark was made from a section of the House “behind Afenyo”, and a CCTV review would help pinpoint the person responsible.
According to him, no one could have made such a statement without some form of gesticulation, making it possible to identify the individual on camera.
Denials and ongoing investigation
Since the remark sparked public outrage, speculation has swirled around two MPs—Kofi Adusei, MP for Bosome Freho, and Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo.
However, both lawmakers have denied any involvement in making the offensive comment.
Abu Jinapor dismissed the allegations as “absolutely false,” urging the public to disregard the claims. Adusei also denied any wrongdoing.
Sam George, however, remained firm in his stance, emphasizing that Parliament cannot overlook such behavior.
“We carry the title ‘Honorable,’ but this conduct was far from honorable,” he stated.
He also called out double standards within Parliament, pointing out that lawmakers are quick to demand action when their own dignity is challenged, yet hesitate to act when another MP is targeted.
“If an MP is summoned by the Privileges Committee for calling someone’s actions ‘silly,’ then how do we justify ignoring such a despicable comment against a colleague?” he asked.
Parliament urged to take action
George has called on Parliament to set a strong example by identifying and punishing the MP responsible.
According to Graphic Online, he reminded lawmakers that the Privileges Committee has the power to impose penalties, ranging from a formal apology to suspension.
He argued that dealing with the responsible member would reinforce the integrity of the Parliament along with demonstrating a clear stance against unacceptable behavior.
As the controversy continues to gain public attention, many Ghanaians are awaiting Parliament’s next steps.
