Damongo Member of Parliament Samuel Abu Jinapor is facing severe public backlash following a disturbing remark directed at Korle-Klottey legislator Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings during a parliamentary debate on Tuesday, February 4.
The comment, which referred to Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings as the “daughter of a murderer,” has raised concerns over the growing lack of decorum in Ghana’s parliamentary proceedings.
The debate, initially intended to honor the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death, descended into chaos after Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed criticized what he deemed exaggerated tributes to the late political figure. His comments sparked a heated exchange between MPs, prompting the Speaker, Andrew Asiamah, to limit contributions to parliamentary leadership in an attempt to regain order.
Despite the restriction, tensions continued to rise. When Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings tried to participate, the Speaker ignored her request and gave the floor to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. This move further escalated the situation, with MPs shouting over one another. Amidst the disorder, a voice from the Minority side made an offensive comment, calling Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings the “daughter of a murderer” and demanding that she sit down.
“But there is evidence that her father killed people,” another MP followed up.
“Daughter of murderer, sit down!”
Voice heard as Minority leader was speaking in Parliament earlier today #MetroNews pic.twitter.com/veewQgimrn
— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) February 4, 2025
While Jinapor has not been confirmed as the speaker of the derogatory remark, many social media users on X (formerly Twitter) have linked it to him, leading to widespread criticism. Many have condemned the remark as a reflection of the toxic nature of political discourse in the country’s legislature and have called for stronger measures to hold lawmakers accountable for such behavior.
If Abu Jinapor can stand in Parliament and call Zanetor Rawlings “the daughter of a murderer,” then where is the dignity of our democracy? We must do better!
— Flt. Lt. Grunitzky (@Mr_Grunitzky) February 5, 2025
Dumelo was wrong, the NDC MPs were wrong and Abu Jinapor is wrong too. https://t.co/tiOFupimVk
— Bra Marfo 🏇🇬🇭 (@bramarfo_) February 5, 2025
Jinapor has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for reforming parliamentary conduct, with many demanding that MPs engage in more respectful and responsible debates.
