Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a stern ultimatum to the unidentified Member of Parliament (MP) responsible for calling Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey Korle, a “daughter of a murderer” during a heated parliamentary debate.
Bagbin has called on the offending MP to come forward and take responsibility, urging them to confess rather than await the outcome of an official probe he has instructed to identify the culprit.
Incident Sparks Outrage in Parliament
The incident occurred during a parliamentary sitting where emotions ran high, leading to a verbal clash between opposing members. Amid the exchanges, an unidentified MP hurled the derogatory remark at Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, referencing her late father, Former President Jerry John Rawlings.
The comment instantly sparked outrage from several MPs, who viewed it as a personal attack that crossed the boundaries of parliamentary decorum. Speaker Bagbin, visibly displeased, swiftly intervened, describing the remark as unbefitting of the House and calling for immediate action.
Bagbin Demands Honesty and Accountability
In addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of Parliament. He stressed that the unnamed MP should display honesty and integrity by voluntarily owning up to the comment instead of waiting to be exposed through an official investigation.
“This is not the kind of conduct we expect in this honorable House,” Bagbin said. “I expect the offending MP to do the right thing and admit their wrongdoing before the committee completes its work.”
Probe Committee Formed to Investigate Incident
To ensure accountability, the Speaker has directed the Parliamentary Privileges Committee to launch an investigation to uncover the identity of the MP responsible for the insult. The committee is expected to review video recordings, transcripts, and testimonies from MPs present at the time of the incident.
The committee’s findings could lead to sanctions, ranging from a formal reprimand to suspension, depending on the severity of the breach of parliamentary ethics.
A Reflection on Parliamentary Conduct
The incident has reignited calls for greater discipline and respect among MPs, with many urging colleagues to focus on policy debates rather than personal attacks.
Political analysts have noted that Ghana’s Parliament has, in recent years, witnessed rising tensions and increasingly combative exchanges. This latest episode, involving a personal attack on Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, highlights the urgent need for reforms to enforce civility and professionalism in legislative proceedings.
Zanetor’s Response
Though Dr. Zanetor Rawlings has not officially commented on the insult, close associates say she remains focused on her parliamentary duties and will allow the Speaker and leadership of Parliament to handle the matter.
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