The Majority Women’s Caucus of the Parliament of Ghana has urged the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, 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, Mr. Dumelo made a shocking claim that Madam 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, Madam 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 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 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 to Hon. 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. “We will not stand idly by while her reputation is tarnished by baseless accusations.
Concerned with the situation, the Majority Women’s Caucus is 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,” Madam 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 labelled 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.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
