Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei addressing the press
The Majority Women’s Caucus of the Parliament of Ghana has urged the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, to take legal action against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, for his defamatory comments against her.
During a recent TV3 program, Dumelo made a shocking claim that Lydia Alhassan was involved in her late husband’s death to clear the way for her election to Parliament.
Addressing a section of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) in Accra on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Majority Women Caucus, led by their Chairperson and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, condemned this statement as baseless, malicious, and an insult to all women in leadership positions.
“This outrageous and contemptible statement is not only a vicious attack on Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan but also an insult to all women who work tirelessly to serve their communities and the nation in positions of leadership”, she noted.
She added “The Majority Women’s Caucus in Parliament stands resolutely with Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan. We fully support her decision to seek legal redress and encourage her to take this matter to a court of competent jurisdiction, where Mr. Dumelo will be compelled to prove his baseless and malicious allegations.”
The Caucus believes that taking legal action will send a strong message that women in politics will not be bullied or intimidated by false and damaging allegations, hence, their full support of Seyram Alhassan, who is also the incumbent MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, in her pursuit of justice.
“Hon. Alhassan has done nothing but serve her constituents and the nation with dedication and integrity”, said a member of the Women’s Caucus, adding that “We will not stand idly by while her reputation is tarnished by baseless accusations.
Concerned with situation, the Majority Women’s Caucus are urging all women in politics to stand together against such attacks and to support one another in the face of adversity.
They are also calling on all political actors to conduct their campaigns with decency and respect, and to refrain from personal attacks that undermine the democratic process.
“The progress of our democracy depends on the ability of all participants to engage in meaningful debate on ideas and policies without descending into the gutter of unfounded and disrespectful allegations”, Appiagyei, known in the political circles as Mama Pat, asserted.
The condemnable statement of the Majority Women’s Caucus in Parliament follows a similar statement that was issued by the Widows Association of Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.
The group had, on Thursday, also expressed deep disappointment and strong condemnation of the comments made by John Dumelo against Lydia Seyram Alhassan.
In a statement, the Widows Association labeled Mr. Dumelo’s remarks as a severe affront to the dignity of widows, who already face significant emotional and societal challenges following the loss of their spouses.
“His words are a painful reminder of the stigmatization and discrimination that widows often face in our society,” the statement in part read.
Hassan Ayariga is our guest on the latest edition of Election Desk on GhanaWeb TV with host, Etsey Atisu. Catch the full interview below:
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