Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has directed a full-scale investigation into the controversial "daughter of a murderer" remark made during a parliamentary session, while also issuing an apology to the family of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, March 4, Mr. Bagbin condemned the comment as unacceptable and an affront to parliamentary decorum. He stressed that such remarks undermine the dignity of the House and assured the public that necessary steps would be taken to identify and hold the responsible MP accountable.

The Speaker expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the emotional toll it may have had on Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, and the Rawlings family. He assured them that Parliament does not condone such conduct and that disciplinary measures would be enforced.

In a bid to ensure transparency, Mr. Bagbin has set a one-week deadline for the MP in question to come forward voluntarily.

“I advise the member responsible to within the week show honesty and plead than wait for outcome of investigations.”

He warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, with the House ready to impose the highest sanctions once investigations are concluded.

"… will be liable to be reprimanded or suspended for a period not exceeding 9 months or expelled from Parliament altogether.”

The Majority Leader has also backed the Speaker’s stance, urging the MP responsible to take responsibility for their actions. He emphasized that Parliament must uphold discipline and called for stricter enforcement of ethical standards among legislators.

Background

The controversy erupted on February 4 during a parliamentary session commemorating the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death. As Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin addressed the chamber, an unidentified MP from the backbenches interrupted, shouting, "Daughter of a murderer, sit down!"

The remark, widely believed to reference former President Rawlings' political history, sparked immediate outrage among MPs, with many condemning the statement as an attack on Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings' integrity.

The Speaker has since reaffirmed his commitment to upholding order in Parliament, ensuring that such incidents are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.