The sex-for-job allegation made by opposition lawmaker Kennedy Agyapong against the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Charlotte Osei, is sexist and must be condemned in no uncertain terms, Vice Chairperson of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu has condemned.

In a statement, the former Attorney General said the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), must purge itself of such “dirt” and appear “credible in support of women”.

“I have taken note of the unfortunate verbal attacks on the person of Mrs Charlotte Osei,” Mrs Mould-Iddrisu said, adding: “The Attack from a member of the NPP seeking political power is most denigrating and needless. Such attacks are bringing into our body politics creeping sexism”.

Mr Agyapong’s comment has been widely condemned by several individuals and civil society groups.

For instance, Children, Gender, and Social Protection Minister Nana Oye Lithur described the remark as regrettable, saying Ghanaian women would not countenance personal attacks on women who have committed to serve Ghana in public office. She said as a public officer, Mr Agyapong should rather promote non-discrimination, respect for human dignity, and gender equality.

Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Hanna Tetteh said the “vicious attacks” were unfortunate, since Mrs Osei was a lawyer and professional capable of getting the EC Chair job on merit.

Council of state member Ama Benyiwa-Doe also joined the condemnation fray on Wednesday June 29 and accused the NPP lawmaker of never having any respect for women. Also, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, a women’s right civil society organisation, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, urged the leadership of the NPP to find ways of counselling Mr Agyapong.

Speaking in an interview with Prince Minkah, host of the Executive Breakfast Show (EBS) on Class 91.3FM on Wednesday, Mrs Dwamena-Aboagye said: “I think it is most unfortunate, he should not have said things like that. It equals assassination of character, it is defamation, it is scandalous and should not be heard from a leader of a country. I think it is very wrong.”

Mrs Mould-Iddrisu said: “I am very happy to hear of the support from our various women rights advocates. I join the many voices of well-meaning Ghanaians to protect the values, ethics and culture of our heritage.

“Never again must women be subjected to such humiliation and ridicule. It is just enough! I have been a victim of this Kennedy Agyapong's ‘hit’ speeches, but I survived. I call on the August house of parliament to take appropriate steps to discipline such characters. Again the NPP must cleanse itself of such dirt to appear credible in the protection of women rights”.

Below is the full statement of Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu:

29-06-2016

PRESS RELEASE

NPP MUST APPEAR CREDIBLE IN SUPPORT OF WOMEN

I have taken note of the unfortunate verbal attacks on the person of Mrs Charlotte Osei, the Commissioner of Ghana's Electoral Commission. The Attack from a member of the NPP seeking Political Power is most denigrating and Needless. Such attacks are bringing into our body politic creeping sexism… I am very happy to hear of the support from our various women rights advocates.

I join the many voices of well-meaning Ghanaians to protect the values, ethics and culture of our heritage. Never again must women be subjected to such humiliation and ridicule. It is just enough!!!!! I have been a victim of this Kennedy Agyapong's "hit" speeches but I survived. I call on the August house of Parliament to take appropriate steps to discipline such characters. Again the NPP must cleanse itself of such dirt to appear credible in the protection of women rights.

Thank you.

Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu
Vice Chairperson
National Democratic Congress