Todays Trends Blog of Monday, 10 February 2025
Source: Samuel Osei
Parliament is a place where leaders meet to discuss important matters. It is a place for respect, wisdom, and good words. But sometimes, people say things that are not nice. One such moment happened when an NPP Member of Parliament (MP) called another MP, Hon. Zanetor Rawlings, a "daughter of a murderer." This statement was unfair, disrespectful, and should not have been said.
First, let us understand what happened. It was the birthday of JB Danquah, a great man in Ghana’s history. Some MPs in Parliament were talking about his life and the good things he did. While they were talking, an NDC MP, Hon. Muntaka, said that he had read books that called JB Danquah a traitor. This made the NPP MPs very upset. Then, when Hon. Zanetor Rawlings stood up to speak, an unknown NPP MP made the hurtful comment.
This kind of comment should not be accepted in Parliament. Hon. Zanetor Rawlings is a leader and deserves respect. It is not fair to call her such a name because of what her father did or did not do. Every person should be treated with respect for who they are, not for what their parents did. If we start blaming children for the actions of their parents, then where will it stop? Everyone has their own life and their own choices.
Second, Parliament is a place of learning. It is where leaders discuss and make decisions for the country. If leaders cannot control their words and emotions, what example are they setting for the people of Ghana? If MPs shout at each other and use insults, how will young people learn to speak with respect? Leaders should always be calm and choose their words carefully.
Also, just because someone does not agree with you does not mean you should insult them. Hon. Muntaka shared his opinion about JB Danquah. Whether right or wrong, it was his opinion. Instead of responding with insults, the NPP MPs should have used facts to prove their point. A smart person does not use insults to win a discussion. They use knowledge and wisdom.
Moreover, Ghana is a country with freedom of speech. Everyone should be able to share their thoughts without fear. If we start calling people names because of their opinions, then people will be afraid to speak. This is not good for our democracy.
The comment made in Parliament was not right. Leaders should always show respect, no matter how upset they are. Hon. Zanetor Rawlings did not deserve such words. If we want Ghana to grow, we must teach our leaders and ourselves to speak with kindness and wisdom. Parliament should be a place of learning and respect, not insults and blame. It is time for our leaders to set a good example for the people of Ghana.