Find that ‘useless’ MP who abused Dr Zanetor

The former Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, H.E. Alhaji Said Sinare, has expressed outrage over a derogatory comment made by a yet-to-be identified Member of Parliament against Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings. Dr Zanetor Rawlings, the daughter of Ghana’s late former president, Jerry John Rawlings and MP for Korle Klottey was abused on the floor of Parliament by a colleague lawmaker from the Minority caucus.

In an open letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Alhaji Said Sinare condemned the remarks as not only an attack on Dr. Rawlings’ character but also an unwarranted smear on the legacy of a national icon who dedicated his life to fighting for justice, accountability, and the empowerment of the marginalized.

The remark in question, which referred to Dr. Zanetor Rawlings as “the daughter of a murderer,” was described by Said Sinare as an egregious and baseless insult from a useless and irresponsible member of parliament.

Without mixing words, the incensed Alhaji Sinare stated that as someone who served under the former President, he feels disappointed that an elected Member of Parliament could stoop so low to tarnish Rawlings’ good name. He said it is even more alarming that such a defamatory statement was made on the floor of Parliament and live on a national television. Chairman Rawlings, Sinare emphasized, was a transformative leader who played a crucial role in Ghana’s political history, advocating for the masses and resisting tyranny and corruption.

Sinare went further to express his disgust at the ignorance and lack of decency demonstrated by the MP in making such remarks. He highlighted that such behaviour undermines the integrity of Parliament and disregards the values of respect and professionalism that should be upheld within the legislative body.

Alhaji Said Sinare, a former diplomat and key figure in the NDC also underscored the need for Parliament to maintain its dignity by holding members to higher standards, particularly when making public statements.

The letter further called for swift action from the Speaker of Parliament, urging him to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold the responsible MP accountable for his reckless actions. Sinare’s letter pointed out that anyone who resorts to spreading malicious rumors and unfounded accusations in the guise of political discourse shows an appalling lack of judgment, which should not be tolerated in Parliament.

In an attempt to reinforce the moral consequences of such behavior, Said Sinare invoked a passage from the Holy Quran, which condemns those who harm others with false accusations. He suggested that this should serve as a reminder to the offending MP about the weight of their slanderous remarks and the impact of their words on society.

The former Ayawaso Central lawmaker noted that such disrespectful conduct is a stain on the reputation of the institution of Parliament and, if left unchecked, sets a dangerous precedent for future discourse. The people of Ghana deserve representatives who will elevate political conversation and honour the legacies of those who have sacrificed for the betterment of the nation, not those who use divisive rhetoric to degrade others, he noted.

Read Alhaji Said Sinare’s open letter below:

The Speaker of Parliament

Accra, Ghana.

5th, Feb, 2025.

Dear RT Honorable Speaker,

CONDEMNING THE DEFAMATORY REMARK AGAINST DR. ZANETOR AGYEAMAN RAWLINGS

I write to you today as a former Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, compelled to address an abhorrent remark made by a member of Parliament under your watch concerning Dr. Zanetor Agyeaman Rawlings. To label her as “the daughter of a murderer” is not only a grotesque affront to her character but also an egregious insult to the legacy of our revered former president, Jerry John Rawlings.

Chairman Rawlings’s leadership for some of us who worked with him, was defined by a commitment to justice, accountability, and the empowerment of the marginalized. He championed the cause of the people and fought against corruption and tyranny. His contributions to our nation remain unparalleled, and it is both disgraceful and cowardly for any self-acclaimed MP to tarnish that legacy by launching such baseless and unsubstantiated accusations.

This brazen attack demonstrates a shocking level of ignorance and a complete disregard for the values of decency and respect that should be the hallmark of our legislative body. To hide behind the guise of political discourse while perpetuating such vile and unfounded accusations is nothing short of cowardly. This MP, whose identity must be revealed and scrutinized, has displayed an appalling lack of judgment and an abhorrent character that tarnishes the reputation of Parliament as a whole under your leadership.

To the MP who made this disgraceful and uncivilized comment: your words reflect not only your pitiable intellect but also your utter moral bankruptcy. You have shown yourself to be a desperate vagabond; a coward hiding behind political rhetoric to launch tasteless and unfounded attacks. Such conduct is an embarrassment to the institution of Parliament and a disservice to the very people you claim to represent.

I beseech you, Mr. Speaker, to take swift action to investigate this disgraceful comment from an irresponsible and reckless criminal and hold the offending so-called MP accountable for their distasteful remarks. Such an individual, capable of such base and malicious behavior, has no right to serve in a position meant to uphold the dignity and integrity of our legislative process

In addition, I invoke the words of the Holy Quran: “Indeed, those who harm the believers, both men and women, without the mistake they have committed, have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin.” (Quran 33:58). May this serve as a poignant reminder to that MP of the consequences of their slanderous comments.