The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has expressed strong disappointment over what he described as a lack of cooperation from Members of Parliament in identifying the individual responsible for an offensive remark directed at  Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey.

Speaker Bagbin made the remark on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the start of the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament.

He was responding to the status of investigations into the incident, which occurred during proceedings on February 4, 2025.

Speaker Bagbin slams MPs over silence on 'Daughter of a murderer' remark https://t.co/SGB1yK7KSE pic.twitter.com/3L2qmW0pwg

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According to the Speaker, despite the availability of CCTV footage and eyewitnesses, no MP has come forward to name the person who made the "derogatory" comment.

“The investigations are still ongoing, but to be frank with you, I am very disappointed with all of you,” he told the House.

”A member seated in this House, surrounded by colleagues, uttered certain words, yet not a single colleague can identify who it was. Even those of you sitting together, specifically the three of you who have been identified in that area, cannot point out the member responsible.”

The controversial remark, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” was reportedly shouted by a male voice during Dr Agyeman-Rawlings’ submission on the floor.

The comment sparked public backlash and formal petitions from institutions affiliated with the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, father of the MP.

The J.J. Rawlings Foundation had submitted a petition to the Speaker calling for a full parliamentary inquiry and a retraction.

The petition, signed by the Foundation’s Executive Director, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, described the comment as “inflammatory, despicable, unconscionable, and disgraceful.”

 

“It is totally dishonest for anyone to attempt to reduce his [Rawlings’] legacy in one misguided moment of flippancy,” the petition stated.

The Foundation also defended Dr Agyeman-Rawlings’ record in Parliament since 2017 and criticised the incident as an attempt to silence a woman in leadership, describing it as “misogynistic and biased against women.”

The Anlo Dukor Council also submitted a separate petition, urging Mr Bagbin to disclose the identity of the MP who made the remark. That petition, signed by Togbi Agbesi Awusu III on behalf of the Awoamefia, Togbi Sri III, requested that the Speaker reveal the name of the MP by February 10, 2025.

Despite these appeals and the presence of security cameras in the chamber, Mr Bagbin told the House that no recording had captured the incident, and no member had been able to identify the speaker.

“What is even more shocking is that, despite all the cameras and CCTV in this House, none captured the person who spoke,” Mr Bagbin said.

“Honourable members, these are serious matters. When issues are properly brought to my attention, I take action. Shouting and noise will not deter me from taking action. You know what needs to be done.”

He added that the silence of MPs undermines the work and reputation of Parliament.

“I am voicing my feelings clearly: I am truly disappointed,very, very disappointed,regarding this matter. It could happen to any of you. Many of you are behaving this way because you do not know your history. Please, we must take our business seriously. We must respect each other and work together as members of the same family.”

Mr Bagbin noted that a formal report on the incident will be submitted and assured the House that he is prepared to take legal action if necessary.

“From the way I am speaking, you can be certain that I will go to the fullest extent to enforce the law,” he said.