‘I have no respect for cowards’ — Zanetor

Korle Klottey Member of Parliament, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has cautioned against the rise of toxic politics in Ghana.

She argued that abusive language and cowardly attacks erode public trust in leadership.

Speaking on JoyNews, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings minced no words: “I have no respect for people who are cowards. If you have something to say, own up and say it. Let’s know that you have said it and you are owning what you’ve said.”

Her comments revive memories of a heated parliamentary session on February 4, when MPs marked the 60th anniversary of J.B. Danquah’s death. During the debate, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin was interrupted by a voice from the backbench shouting at Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings: “Daughter of a murderer, sit down!”

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, apologised to her and her family, while ordering an investigation to identify the offending MP. He also warned that non-cooperation with the probe would attract tougher sanctions.

For Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, however, the incident represents more than a personal slight. She described it as symptomatic of a larger problem. “Leadership requires humility, decorum, and respect. I don’t appreciate people who feel that they should be callous because they can,” she said.

She added that targeting individuals based on family history undermines the very values Parliament is supposed to uphold. “When you have people who feel they must have a swipe at the child of someone because of their disdain for the parent, I’m not quite sure if it shows a certain level of maturity,” she stressed.

The Korle Klottey MP, who has often been subjected to insults linked to her late father’s legacy, insists that she will not be deterred by such tactics. For her, the focus must remain on the responsibilities of leadership, not petty political attacks.