Dr. Frank Amoakohene and Akosua Manu
The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has condemned remarks made by Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, directed at former National Youth Authority Deputy CEO, Akosua Manu, describing them as “sexually suggestive, demeaning, and misogynistic.”
A statement signed by GenCED Executive Director, Esther Tawiah, said the comments, which circulated on social media, contained explicit sexual connotations incompatible with standards expected in a democratic society.
The group argued that such language reduces women in politics to sexualised stereotypes and undermines their dignity and contributions to public service.
The dispute stems from exchanges between Dr. Amoakohene and Ms. Manu, popularly known as Kozie, which began months ago after the minister posted an image of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in diapers on Facebook.
As Special Aide to the former Vice President, Ms. Manu criticised the post and urged the minister to respect Dr. Bawumia and the office he held. Dr. Amoakohene later posted the phrase “Akosua Kumaa” on his Facebook page.
GenCED’s statement said the term is a Twi euphemism for female genitalia (clitoris). Days ago, after Ms. Manu made an unrelated Facebook post, the minister again commented. Ms. Manu responded: “Prompt your tailor to give allowance to your clothes so it doesn’t cut oxygen to your brain. We need you lucid enough to attempt to solve the problems in Ashanti Region.”
According to GenCED, the minister then replied on Facebook: “Akosua kumaa, wokon dɔ anaa? You want to have a taste of it,” which the organisation said translates to asking if she desired to have sex with him. “These comments are deeply offensive, unacceptable, and undermine the dignity of women in politics,” GenCED said.
The group noted that women in public life already face discrimination, online abuse, sexist stereotypes, character assassination, and threats to personal safety.
“Political disagreement is normal, but it must focus on ideas, policies, and leadership choices. Sexual harassment, misogyny, personal degradation, and gender-based humiliation have no place in political discourse,” the statement read.
GenCED expressed solidarity with Ms. Manu and all women facing harassment in political life, reaffirming its commitment to safe and inclusive democratic spaces.
The organisation warned that normalising gendered attacks sends a message that women must endure humiliation rather than be respected for their competence and leadership, weakening efforts to promote gender equality.
The group also cited the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees, which requires decorous language, restraint, and respect in public communication. It said the minister’s remarks were inconsistent with those standards and raised concerns about adherence to ethical conduct expected of public officials.
GenCED called for an immediate end to sexist and sexually offensive language in politics and demanded a public apology and retraction of remarks that demean or sexualise women. It urged political parties to enforce internal disciplinary standards and sanction conduct that brings the political space into disrepute.
The organisation further appealed to the Office of the President and relevant state institutions to enforce the Code of Conduct for Ministers and Political Appointees. It also urged media organisations and social media platforms to take a proactive stance against misogynistic content and gender-based abuse.
“Protecting the dignity of women in politics is not only a gender issue but a democratic imperative that strengthens institutions and fosters national progress,” GenCED stated.
A Daily Guide Report