Damongo Member of Parliament, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has strongly rejected claims that he was responsible for the offensive remarks directed at Korle-Klottey MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, during a tense session in Parliament on Tuesday.
The comments, which included the phrase “daughter of a murderer,” caused a stir on social media, with many alleging that Jinapor was behind the attack.
The controversy arose during a parliamentary debate on the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death, which quickly spiraled into a chaotic exchange between MPs. Tensions escalated when Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed criticized what he saw as exaggerated tributes to Danquah, triggering a verbal clash. Speaker Andrew Asiamah imposed restrictions on contributions, allowing only parliamentary leadership to speak, but this did little to restore order.
As Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings attempted to contribute, she was ignored by the Speaker, and instead, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin was given the floor. The interruptions continued, leading to an outburst from an unidentified voice from the Minority side, who made the derogatory remark about Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, further intensifying the disorder.
While Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the minority, was speaking in Parliament , an MP shouted into the microphone , “Daughter of murderer, sit down. Na sɛ obiaa nim sɛ ne Papa kum nipa” It has caused some controversy among netizens and was directed at Dr. Zenator Agyemang… pic.twitter.com/dox7KJDwgw
— MR LARVIE (@Kwessysela) February 5, 2025
Although many social media users on X (formerly Twitter) accused Jinapor of making the disparaging remark, he vehemently denied the allegations. “For the record, the said allegation is absolutely false,” he stated, clarifying that he was not responsible for the comment.
The general public is kindly advised to totally disregard the suggestion that I made unsavory comments about Hon. Dr. Zanetor Rawlings while she was on her feet on the floor of Parliament contributing to a statement.
For the record, the said allegation is absolutely false.
— Samuel A. Jinapor (@SamuelAJinapor) February 5, 2025
Jinapor went on to reaffirm his deep respect for Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and her family, as well as the late former President Jerry John Rawlings. “While he was alive, President Rawlings was someone who took a great likening and interest in me as a young politician, and I had great respect for him as a Ghanaian Statesman. I have and will not denigrate the Rawlings’s in any form or shape and any Ghanaian for that matter,” he said.
The Damongo MP emphasized his belief in maintaining civility in political discourse. “That is not in my nature. I have always believed in decent debates and intellectual discourse in Ghanaian public life and Parliament especially, devoid of insults and character assassination!”
