The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned the recent attack on the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) by Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
At a campaign launch of MP for Asokwa Constituency Patricia Appiagyei, Mr Agyapong mounted a scathing attack on Madam Charlotte Osei, much to the chagrin of many.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 29, GBA said it found the comments “distasteful, offensive, abusive and derogatory, not only to or of Mrs Osei, but also to women in general”.
It said while persons holding positions of trust are not immune to criticisms, “the criticisms must have proper and relevant bases and foundations, not merely demeaning and debasing”.
“Thus, while the chairperson of the Electoral Commission is not above criticism, it is extremely unfair to subject her to such scurrilous abuse and slanderous personal attacks.”
It said such a remark has the potential of preventing women from accepting to serve in high offices “for fear of being subjected to such insults and abuse”.
“We therefore wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the disparaging comments made regarding the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
“We find it unacceptable that any person not least a person who holds such high office should be subjected to such insult.”
It advised the public to be cautious of the language used in everyday life, stressing the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech should be exercised with circumspection.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @3Newsgh
