The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has condemned the conduct displayed during the presentation of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) petition at the Presidency following the party’s public demonstration on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Esther Tawiah, GenCED expressed concern over comments and actions involving the Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during the presentation of the petition.
According to GenCED, Hon. Afenyo-Markin publicly questioned the government’s decision to designate Ms. Jantuah to receive the petition at the Presidency, arguing that her role did not reflect the seriousness of the issues raised by the NPP. The organisation described the decision not to hand over the petition to the female presidential staffer officially designated to receive it, as well as the ensuing public exchange, as unfortunate.
GenCED said the incident raises broader concerns about the treatment of women occupying public leadership and administrative positions, particularly when they are carrying out officially assigned responsibilities.
The organisation stressed that political differences should not undermine the dignity of public officials.
“Regardless of political differences or disagreements, all public officials deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” GenCED said, warning that conduct that diminishes or undermines women performing their assigned duties could reinforce stereotypes and barriers confronting women in leadership and governance.
The gender advocacy organisation also linked the incident to Ghana’s broader efforts to improve women’s participation in public life, including the passage of the Gender Equity Act.
It urged political leaders to demonstrate respectful engagement and help build a political culture anchored in inclusion, equality and institutional respect. GenCED specifically encouraged Hon. Afenyo-Markin and other political actors to reflect on the incident and reaffirm their commitment to treating public officials with respect regardless of their gender, political affiliation or position.
GenCED emphasised that political disagreements remain an essential component of democracy but must not translate into actions or expressions that diminish the dignity of individuals serving the public.
It concluded with a strong call for respect for women in leadership, describing it not as a partisan issue but as “a democratic imperative.”
The organisation said Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when political leaders uphold civility, respect state institutions and recognise the equal dignity of everyone serving the Republic.
