08/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
*Haskee Institute of Economics and Development (HIED) on the Need to Protect the Dignity of Women in Ghanaian Politics*
Women Deserve Respect in Ghanaian Politics: Political Rhetoric Must Not Undermine Women's Leadership
The Haskee Institute of Economics and Development strongly condemns political rhetoric that demeans, humiliates, or has the potential to discourage women from participating in politics, governance, and national leadership.
The recent statement attributed to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding the nomination of Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) petition raises important questions about how women entrusted with positions of responsibility are perceived and treated within Ghana's political landscape.
This incident should not be viewed in isolation.
In 2016, Kennedy Agyapong, then a Member of Parliament for the NPP, publicly alleged that Charlotte Osei, then Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, had obtained her appointment through sexual favours. The Ghana Bar Association condemned the remarks as offensive, abusive, and derogatory, warning that such statements create the harmful impression that women attain high public office through means other than merit.
Similarly, during the 2020 and 2024 election periods, remarks attributed to Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) concerning Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang included allegations about her private life and references to her regional background. Female Members of Parliament condemned the comments as demeaning attacks on a woman in national leadership and called for an apology.
Throughout the 2024 political campaign, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was also subjected to derogatory descriptions such as "Abrewa" ("old woman"). Monitoring by the Media Foundation for West Africa highlighted how age and gender were used to ridicule her. It pointed to the unequal standards often applied to similarly aged male politicians.
Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia was likewise subjected to gender-based political attacks during the same period, including being labelled a "slay queen," while references to her Fulani heritage were reportedly used in a derogatory and exclusionary manner.
Another disturbing incident occurred during parliamentary proceedings on 4 February 2025 involving Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. During proceedings, a male voice from the Minority side was heard shouting:
"Daughter of a murderer, sit down!"
Public debate subsequently arose over the identity of the individual who made the remark, with attention focusing on Dominic Nitiwul, Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, although the matter remained contested. Regardless of who uttered those words, such personal attacks have no place in Parliament or in Ghana's democratic discourse.
Against this background, describing the nomination of Nana Yaa Jantuah alone to receive a political party's petition as an act of "disrespect" warrants serious reflection.
The Haskee Institute recognises the legitimate right of political parties to disagree with government decisions, challenge official actions, and demand what they consider appropriate recognition. However, Ghana must be careful not to cultivate a political culture in which assigning responsibility to a woman is interpreted as diminishing the importance of those engaging with her.
This issue transcends partisan politics. Women across Ghana's political divide have repeatedly been subjected to rhetoric that undermines their dignity. Every political party, political leader, and public office holder should therefore be held to the same standard of civility and respect.
Ghana cannot encourage women and girls to aspire to Parliament, ministerial office, and other positions of national leadership while simultaneously normalising language that questions the legitimacy, competence, or authority of women who have already attained those positions.
Women belong at every decision-making table. Their authority, leadership, and public service deserve the same respect afforded to their male counterparts.
Political competition should remain a contest of ideas, policies, competence, and performance—not attacks on the dignity, age, family background, ethnicity, or legitimacy of women in leadership.
The Haskee Institute of Economics and Development therefore calls upon political leaders, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and all citizens to promote a political culture that protects the dignity of women and enables their full and equal participation in public life, free from degrading, discriminatory, and gender-based rhetoric.
About HIED
Haskee Institute Of Economics and Development is a development think-tank which has been established to sharpen and promote development agenda
Thanks.
Signed
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Idirisu Gbeti issaka
Executive Director HIED
0240272011
0244636309
6 August 2026
