Discipline Kennedy Agyapong : Women’s coalition petitions Parliament
The Coalition of Concerned Women has presented a petition requesting Parliament to take disciplinary action against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, for the reported derogatory comments he made about the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Charlotte Osei.
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The coalition, made up of various women groups, civil society, traditional and religious organisations, said Mr Agyapong’s utterances called Parliament’s stance on discrimination against women and promoting gender equality into question.
Its leaders presented the petition to the First Deputy Majority Whip, Hajia Mary Salifu Boforo, at the Accra Sports Stadium in the presence of other Members of Parliament (MPs).
The women held placards, some of which read: "Kennedy Agyapong, respect women;" "NPP say something to your man now"; "Kennedy Agyapong, bow your head in shame"; "Kennedy Agyapong, you were born by a woman"; "When you touch one, you touch all"; "Parliament, please call Kennedy Agyapong to order" and "Uplift us, don't push us down."
Women are hurt
The Secretary of the Coalition of Concerned Women, Hajia Alimatu Issah, told journalists that women needed to be supported and encouraged to attain greater heights in life but not be denigrated.
Therefore, she said, Mr Agyapong’s remarks to the effect that Mrs Osei had exchanged her body for her position were unfortunate.
Hajia Alimatu said Mr Agyapong, being a member of the legislature, should have exercised caution when he was making the statement.
She said women were hurt by the legislator's utterances about Mrs Osei, because the woman was selected on merit.
Hajia Alimatu said the coalition expected Parliament to institute disciplinary action against Mr Agyapong to serve as a deterrent to others.
Hajia Boforo, for her part, said she and her colleagues would refer the petition to the Speaker of Parliament for consideration.