GBA condemns Kennedy Agyapong's 'insulting' comments
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned comments by Mr Kennedy Agyapong that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mrs Charlotte Osei traded sex for her position.
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Although there have been calls by Gender activists and a section of the public on the Assin Central Member of Parliament to retract and apologise for his comments, the MP maintained his grounds and vowed to expose the EC chair if anyone dared him.
However the GBA believes that such comments should not be made by a person who himself holds a high office as a Member of Parliament.
According to the association comments made by the MP are "distasteful, offensive, abusive and derogatory, not only to the Electoral Commissioner but women in general."
A statement signed by National President of the GBA, Mr Benson Nutsukpui and issued in Accra stated that the impression that women do not ascend to high office on merits should not be encouraged by well-meaning Ghanaians.
It added that Ghana has made considerable progress with regards to eliminating discrimination against people on grounds of gender, among others, and to create equal opportunities for all.
It pointed out that although people who hold high office are not above scrutiny, such criticisms should be constructive and above slander against the personalities of such persons.
"The criticisms must have proper and relevant bases and foundations, not merely demeaning and debasing," it said.
Subsequently the association cautioned the public to be circumspect with language usage as the constitution guarantees that freedom of speech should be exercised with judiciousness and prudence.
"Our language should not be abusive, and should not be to discourage or intimidate people, particularly women, from aspiring and accepting to serve as public officials,” it added.