The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has condemned the offensive remarks directed at Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey. He described the comments as “unwarranted, unjustified, and deeply offensive.”
Speaking in Parliament today, Bagbin expressed regret over the remarks made during parliamentary proceedings on February 4, 2025. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in national discourse, particularly within Parliament.
“The people of Ghana look to this House as the bedrock and beacon of democracy and leadership in Ghana,” Bagbin stated. “It is our collective duty to set a standard that reflects the true character and values of our great nation.”
The Speaker acknowledged the power of words, stating that while they can inspire hope and unity, they can also “divide, wound and erode the very foundations of trust, national unity, love, hope and the dignity we seek to uphold in this House.”
Bagbin directly referenced the offensive remark made against Zanetor Rawlings, which he described as reckless and unacceptable. He expressed regret for the incident on 4th February where Zanetor Rawlings was referred to as the “daughter of a murderer.”
He extended his “deepest apologies” to Zanetor Rawlings, her mother, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and the people of Anlo and Tongu. “No one serving their country should have to endure such indignity,” he said.
Parliamentary Privileges and Consequences
Bagbin reminded MPs that while parliamentary privileges protect free speech in the House, they are not absolute. He said it allows for disciplinary action when statements breach parliamentary privilege. “Let me be clear. Parliament is a place for constructive debate, guided by principles of mutual respect and integrity.
He said any member found to breach parliamentary privileges will be reprimanded as required. “Such a Member, when found guilty of defamation or in contempt of Parliament or in breach of Parliamentary Privilege, would be liable to be reprimanded or by resolution suspended from the service of Parliament for a period not exceeding nine months or expelled from Parliament altogether,” he stated.
A formal investigation has been launched to identify the MP responsible for the offensive remarks. Bagbin confirmed that the Privileges and Ethics and Standards Committees would review the case and report to the House.
Call for Accountability
The Speaker urged the MP responsible to come forward voluntarily within a week. He advised the individual to take responsibility and opt for a plea bargain, warning of “dire consequences” if the investigation identified them instead.
“In the spirit of honor, accountability, and decorum, I advise the Member responsible for the remark to, within a week, choose a path of honesty, mea culpa, and opt for a plea bargain,” he said. “Taking this step would demonstrate good faith and respect for Parliamentary dignity.”
Bagbin reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining decorum in Parliament. He stressed that debates should be fair, and MPs must conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and respect. “While we may differ in our views and engage in spirited discussions, there is no room for language that seeks to offend, abuse, insult, demean, defame, blaspheme, impute proper motives, or impinge the integrity of a Member or any other person,” he stressed.
He concluded with a call for introspection, urging MPs to ensure that disagreements in parliament remain intellectual. He said disagreements should be a market of ideas and wisdom, not personal vendetta based on impulse, instincts, or emotions.
