GenCED condemns Afenyo-Markin’s treatment of Nana Yaa Jantuah during NPP petition presentation

The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has expressed disapproval of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin's behavior during the presentation of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) petition at the Jubilee House. GenCED criticized Afenyo-Markin's treatment of Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Akyenpim Jantuah, deeming it unfortunate and raising concerns about how women in public leadership positions are treated, especially when fulfilling official duties.

In a statement released on August 7, GenCED emphasized that political disagreements should not compromise the dignity and respect afforded to public officials. The organization stated, "Regardless of political differences or disagreements, all public officials deserve to be treated with dignity and respect while carrying out their official responsibilities."

The incident arose during the NPP's "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration on August 6, in which Nana Yaa Jantuah was tasked by the Presidency to present the party's petition to President John Dramani Mahama. Afenyo-Markin, leading the NPP delegation, contested the decision, asserting that a more senior representative from the Presidency should have received the document.

He argued that the chosen representative's level of leadership did not align with the seriousness of the issues raised by the opposition party. GenCED warned that such conduct could perpetuate stereotypes and hinder efforts to promote equality and inclusion in governance, particularly as Ghana advances measures to enhance women's representation in public life.

Following the controversy, Nana Yaa Jantuah expressed her disappointment, stating she felt disrespected by Afenyo-Markin's comments, as she was acting on behalf of the President and not in her personal capacity. She argued that the focus should have been on the concerns raised by the NPP's petition rather than questioning the individual designated to receive it.

The NPP defended Afenyo-Markin's stance, emphasizing the issue was about the delegation's status and the level of representation provided by the Presidency. Afenyo-Markin later shared a video of a similar objection made by former Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during an opposition demonstration, implying similarities between the two incidents.

GenCED called for reflection among all political actors to promote respectful engagement, regardless of political affiliation or gender, stressing that respect for women in leadership is a democratic imperative.