The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) expresses its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the reported sexually suggestive, degrading, and misogynistic remarks directed at Madam Akosua Manu in the ongoing public exchanges circulating on social media and various media platforms.
The reported comments including references carrying explicit sexual connotations and derogatory language aimed at reducing a woman’s identity, dignity, and political standing to sexual objects or body parts are offensive, unacceptable, and wholly inconsistent with the standards expected in a democratic society.
Political disagreement is legitimate. Sexual harassment, misogyny, personal degradation, and gender-based humiliation are not.
Women in politics already face significant barriers, including discrimination, intimidation, online abuse, sexist stereotypes, character assassination, and threats to their personal safety. When public officials or political actors resort to sexualized language and gender-based insults against women, they reinforce a hostile political environment that discourages women and young women from seeking leadership positions and participating fully in democratic governance.
The normalization of such conduct sends a dangerous message that women who enter politics must endure humiliation, sexual objectification, and abuse rather than engage in robust debates about policies, governance, and national development.
GenCED is particularly disturbed that the remarks reported in the public domain appear intended to demean, ridicule, and sexually humiliate a female political actor. Such conduct not only undermines the dignity of the individual concerned but also undermines national efforts to advance women’s leadership, gender equality, and inclusive governance.
Violation of Standards Expected of Public Office Holders
GenCED further notes that the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees, under Section 1.3 on Civility, Courtesy and Restraint, requires Ministers and political appointees to:
* Use decorous language, even in the face of provocation;
* Avoid offensive or provocative language or conduct;
* Maintain the integrity and reputation of ministerial office;
* Conduct themselves with dignity and refrain from acts of rudeness and disrespect; and
* Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and civility in public engagements.
The reported remarks appear inconsistent with these ethical obligations and raise legitimate concerns about adherence to the standards expected of holders of high public office. Public office carries with it a responsibility to model respectful conduct and uphold the dignity of state institutions.
A Threat to Women’s Political Participation
This incident must also be understood within the broader context of violence against women in politics. Across Ghana and beyond, women continue to face gender-based harassment, online abuse, sexualized attacks, and intimidation simply for participating in public life. Such conduct creates barriers to leadership and weakens democratic inclusion.
At a time when Ghana has taken significant steps toward advancing women’s political participation through the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024, it is imperative that all stakeholders actively reject language and behaviour that undermine these gains.
GENCED Calls For:
1. An immediate cessation of sexist, misogynistic, and sexually offensive rhetoric in political discourse.
2. A public apology and retraction of remarks that demean and sexualize women in politics.
3. Political parties to enforce standards of respectful conduct and hold members accountable for gender-based abuse.
4. The Office of the President and relevant state institutions to uphold and enforce the ethical standards contained in the Code of Conduct for Ministers and Political Appointees.
5. Media organizations and social media platforms to discourage and challenge content that promotes misogyny, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
6. All citizens to reject the normalization of abusive language directed at women in public life.
Our Position
Democracy is strengthened when political actors debate ideas, policies, and visions for national development. Democracy is weakened when women are subjected to sexualized insults, misogynistic attacks, and public humiliation because of their gender.
Women should be evaluated on their competence, leadership, ideas, and public service, not subjected to degrading comments that seek to silence, intimidate, or diminish them.
GenCED stands in solidarity with Madam Akosua Manu and all women who face harassment, abuse, and discrimination in political and public life. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, respectful, and democratic spaces where women and men can participate equally and with dignity.
Signed
Esther Tawiah
Executive Director
Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED)
“There can be no inclusive democracy where women are silenced through misogyny, sexual harassment, and gender-based abuse.”
