The Minority Female caucus in Parliament has condemned the Ashanti regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for making what it describes as derogatory comments against the person of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The caucus says this is not the first time Wontumi is making such derogatory remarks on the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and running mate for the National Democratic Congress in the upcoming elections, following a similar incident in July 2020.
In a statement signed by the Leader of the caucus who is the Member of Parliament for Ada, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, the Minority female MPs are asking Wontumi and the NPP to refocus their energies into building Ghana’s ailing economy than to indulge in divisive rhetoric and derogatory comments.
The group further described Wontumi’s comments as disgraceful and unacceptable.
“The recent derogatory remarks made by the regional chairman are utterly unacceptable and disgraceful. Such behavior undermines the integrity of political discourse and reflects poorly on both chairman Wontumi and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Instead of engaging in petty insults, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should rather prioritize addressing the collapsing economy and delivering on their promises to the Ghanaian people.
“It is time for chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party, and the government to redirect their efforts towards constructive actions that benefit all Ghanaians rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric. Ghanaians deserve leaders who uphold dignity and focus on meaningful progress for the nation,” portions of the statement noted.
Find below the full statement issued by the caucus:
PRESS STATEMENT
CONDEMNATION OF VILE COMMENTS AGAINST PROFESSOR JANE NAANA OPOKU AGYEMANG
As female legislators of the minority caucus of parliament, we are compelled to express our utmost condemnation of the recent derogatory remarks made by the Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, against Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
It is deeply distressing and unacceptable that in this day and age, a woman of Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang’s stature and accomplishments would be subjected to such baseless and demeaning attacks on her character and appearance. Such comments not only reflect a profound lack of respect for women in leadership positions but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
The recent allegations made by Chairman Wontumi regarding Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang’s marital status and regional origins are equally reprehensible and without merit. These unfounded accusations only serve to further undermine her credibility and integrity as a politician and academic.
The same Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako made a similar derogatory and wicked statement against the good professor on July 10, 2020.
This is unacceptable, and as women in leadership, we condemn these disparaging comments from Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).
The recent derogatory remarks made by the regional chairman are utterly unacceptable and disgraceful. Such behavior undermines the integrity of political discourse and reflects poorly on both chairman Wontumi and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Instead of engaging in petty insults, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should rather prioritize addressing the collapsing economy and delivering on their promises to the Ghanaian people. It is time for chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party, and the government to redirect their efforts towards constructive actions that benefit all Ghanaians rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric. Ghanaians deserve leaders who uphold dignity and focus on meaningful progress for the nation.
As representatives of the people and advocates for gender equality, it is imperative that we stand united in denouncing such reprehensible behavior and demand strict accountability from those who perpetrate it. We call upon Chairman Wontumi and all other individuals who engage in such deplorable conduct to publicly apologize to Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang and refrain from making any further derogatory remarks.
Notice is hereby given that Chairman Wontumi should apologize to Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang and apologize to all women in Ghana, or we will advise ourselves. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equality for all individuals, regardless of their gender, background, or ethnic affiliation.
Sincerely,
Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe
(Dep. Minority Whip, Vice Chair of the Female MPs Caucus & MP, Ada)
For and on behalf of the minority female caucus in Parliament.
