NPP-USA WOMEN'S WING CONDEMNS THE CONDUCT OF THE MINORITY IN PARLIAMENT

The NPP-USA Women’s Wing condemns in no uncertain terms, the conduct of the minority in Parliament on Tuesday, 5th February 2019, during the swearing in the Member of Parliament Elect of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan. In an apparent display of insensitivity and immaturity, the minority displayed placards with the inscription “BLOODY WIDOW”

While recognizing the minority’s right to stage a walk-out from Parliament, we are appalled by their blatant disregard for the constitution of the Republic of Ghana, which frowns on discrimination against people. Article (12) clause (2) of the constitution states; “Every person in Ghana whatever his/her race, place of origin, political opinion, color,religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of individual contained in this chapter but subject to respect for the right and freedoms of others and for the public interest”.

It is certainly most distasteful and despicable to describe a woman who defied all odds including the pain of losing a beloved husband to emerge victorious in a parliamentary contest. We hereby condemn in no uncertain terms the acts of the minority, a rather disrespectful and inhumane treatment, and an attack on the dignity and integrity of womanhood. This is an unwarranted and un-parliamentary action by the minority. All over the world, international organizations such as Pro-Women Empowerment and various Non-Governmental Organizations are fighting for women’s rights and inclusion in all aspects of life. The members of minority in Parliament who are supposed to be at the forefront of championing the empowerment of women, are rather doing the contrary. There is a reason why MPs are called “Honourable Members” in society and we expect them to live up to the standards and expectations.

We wish to conclude by calling on the minority members of Parliament, the National Deputy Women’s Organizer – Maame Efua Sakyi-Aidoo and the NDC Ayawaso West Wuogon NDC Parliamentary candidate, Delali Kwesi Brempong to render an unreserved apology, first of all, to Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, and to all women and widows in particular. We also call on relevant civil society organizations and individuals who believe in women’s empowerment to rise up and demand an apology from the aforementioned people.

The Bible clearly states in Isaiah 1:17, that we should learn to do good; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause.

WIDOWHOOD IS NOT A SIN
WIDOWHOOD IS NOT A CRIME
DEATH IS INEVITABLE
WOMEN ARE PEACEMAKERS

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his Holy Habitation- Psalm 68: 5

Women all over the world have proven that they are capable of holding and managing public office therefore respect must be duly accorded us at all times.

Thank you.

Barbara Boafo
NPP-USA WOMEN’S WING