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Ken Agyapong’s comments slanderous and unfair – GBA

By CitiFMonline
General News Ken Agyapongs comments slanderous and unfair – GBA
JUN 30, 2016 LISTEN

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned as “slanderous and unfair” the comments made by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, after he alleged publicly that the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, was appointed after granting sexual favours.

According to a statement signed by the Association's President, Benson Nutsukpui, the MP's comments are also eroding the strides made towards gender equality in country as women may be discouraged from serving in public office for fear of attacks in this manner.

“Ghana has made considerable progress with respect to the efforts to eliminate discrimination against persons on the grounds of gender, among others, and to create equal opportunities for all. It is not in the interest of our country for these gains to be derailed or eroded, and for females to be compelled to shun accepting to serve in high office for fear of being subjected to such insults and abuse,” the GBA has asserted.

“We find it unacceptable that any person, not least a person who holds such high office, should be subjected to such insults,” the statement added.

The GBA acknowledged in its statement that public officials should not be above criticism but “the criticism must have proper and relevant bases and foundations, not merely demeaning and debasing.”

Oye Lithur demands apology
The Minister of Gender and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, has, since the scathing comments, called on Kennedy Agyapong, to apologise for what she described as insulting comments against Charlotte Osei.

Oye Lithur in a rebuttal described Mr. Agyapong's comments as regrettable, adding that “women of Ghana will not countenance such comments and personal attacks on women who have committed to serve Ghana in public office.”


By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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