The Majority Women’s Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned John Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, for making “baseless and malicious” allegations against the sitting Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan.
According to the Caucus, during a recent TV3 programme, Mr. Dumelo claimed that Lydia Seyram, who is Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, was responsible for the death of her late husband, who was the MP for the constituency until his passing.
Accusation
John Dumelo made the controversial remarks during a TV3-organised constituency debate.
During the debate, John responded to chants and perceived personal attacks from supporters of his opponent, Lydia Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), by making a statement that linked her to the death of her late husband. He suggested that the MP might have been involved in her husband’s death and should be questioned about it.
His comments were a response to accusations related to his involvement in the 2017 scandal where he was accused of acquiring a state-owned Toyota Land Cruiser V8, which was later retrieved by National Security.
“I want to say something, I can see their supporters mentioning V8, V8, V8. If that is the case, it is also fair to say that maybe Lydia is the one that killed her husband to become MP. Because if they want to go that tangent, I can also go that same tangent because this time around, it’s boot for boot. You cannot decide to be a bloody widow to be Member of Parliament,” John Dumelo alleged.
The remarks have triggered widespread outrage among Ghanaians and his constituents, who condemned him for using such a sensitive issue as a political weapon.
Social media users and political commentators alikecriticised the comment as inappropriate and unbecoming of someone aspiring to be a leader.
Many expressed disappointment, describing the statement as below the belt and uncharacteristic of responsible political discourse.
Addressing the media in Parliament yesterday, the women MPs described this statement as “vile,” “groundless,” and an insult to all women in leadership.
“This outrageous and contemptible statement is not only a vicious attack on Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan but also an insult to all women who work tirelessly to serve their communities and the nation in positions of leadership,” they said.
The Caucus, led by Patricia Appiagyei, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader, expressed deep dismay and vehement condemnation of Dumelo’s comments.
They stated that the NDC MP aspirant’s statement represents a “shocking and repugnant deviation from the deeply-held cultural values of Ghanaian society.”
The women MPs praised Madam SeyramAlhassan’s outstanding leadership and dedication to public service, and noted that Dumelo’s comments undermine the democratic process.
“Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to her constituents and to the nation as a whole.
“As the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the 7th Parliament of the 4th Republic, she has played a critical role in the legislative process, ensuring that the voices of her constituents and the broader Ghanaian public are heard in Parliament.
“Her dedication to public service and her relentless efforts in the sanitation and water resources sector as minister have earned her widespread respect and admiration among her colleagues, constituents, and all well-meaning Ghanaians,” the women MPs indicated.
They continued, “For a public figure to so callously and recklessly malign a woman who has endured the profound loss of her spouse is both deplorable and unforgivable.”
“Does his comment also mean the same for the NDC MP for Shai Osudoku, Hon Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who also became MP when her husband sadly died?” they quizzed.
The MP has since announced her intention to seek legal redress against Dumelo for his allegations, a decision the Majority Women’s Caucus has pledged its support for in this matter.
“The Majority Women’s Caucus in Parliament stands resolutely with Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan in her pursuit of justice,” they stressed.
They urged all political actors to conduct their discourse with respect, truthfulness, and decency.
Apology
In the wake of the backlash, JohnDumelo publicly apologised, retracting his comments and expressing regret for any harm caused.
He stated, “I apologise and unreservedly retract my previous comments. I extend my sincere and unconditional apologies to Hon. Lydia Alhassan for my remarks during the Media General public engagement (Community Manifesto) concerning the death of her husband.
“To everyone who knows me, both in my private life and political activities, it is clear that those statements do not reflect my values or what I stand for. My comments were in response to personal attacks by supporters of the honorable minister, including false allegations regarding my mother’s death. However, I recognise that my reaction was inappropriate.
“I want to assure the people of Ayawaso West Wuogon of my full commitment to the development and progress of our constituency. I sincerely apologise and retract my statements,” he added.
By Ernest Kofi Adu & Francis Addo