NPP MP’s Disturbing Insult Towards Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Sparks Outrage

In a recent parliamentary session on February 4, 2025, Ghana’s legislative proceedings were disrupted by a contentious exchange between Members of Parliament (MPs) Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.

During a debate commemorating the 60th anniversary of the death of Joseph Boakye Danquah, Murtala Muhammed, the MP for Tamale Central representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), interrupted Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, the NDC MP for Klottey-Korle, with a personal remark, stating, “Sit down, you daughter of a murderer.” This comment, referencing Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ late father, former President Jerry John Rawlings, led to a heated exchange on the parliamentary floor.

The Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, intervened to restore order, subsequently limiting contributions to parliamentary leadership to maintain decorum.

The incident has been widely condemned by political figures, civil society organizations, and the public. Many view the remark as unparliamentary and an attempt to undermine Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, who has been an outspoken critic of certain government policies.

This episode has sparked a broader conversation about the nature of political discourse in Ghana. Observers have expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of personal attacks and incendiary language in parliamentary debates, emphasizing that such behavior detracts from substantive policy discussions and erodes public trust in governmental institutions.

In response to the incident, there have been calls for the parliamentary leadership to enforce stricter adherence to codes of conduct and to hold members accountable for breaches of decorum. Such measures are deemed essential to uphold the dignity of the parliament and to ensure that it remains a forum for constructive dialogue.

As Ghana approaches its next general elections in 2025, this episode serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of maintaining civility in political discourse. Elevating the standard of debate is crucial for the health of the nation’s democracy and for fostering a political environment where diverse opinions can be expressed and respected.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, reflecting on the incident, urged her colleagues to focus on the pressing issues facing Ghanaians rather than resorting to personal attacks. She stated, “We must not allow the politics of insults and personal attacks to dominate our discourse. We must rise above it and focus on the issues that matter to Ghanaians.”