The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, have come under fire for the aggressive attacks on two prominent women in chambers of Parliament within a span of four days, prompting accusations of misogyny directed at the Members of Parliament (MPs).
The first incident involved Annoh Dompreh and the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle, during a break in the Parliamentary Appointments Committee proceedings.
Annoh Dompreh reportedly engaged in a verbal altercation with Hardcastle, leading to the MP being labeled as “silly.”
Subsequently, on Friday, the Minority Leader targeted the female clerk to the Committee, Mrs. Gifty Jiage-Gobah, with verbal abuse and threats.
Markin accused Jiage-Gobah of aligning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and working against the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He threatened not to spare the “partisan clerk,” accusing her of colluding with the majority side to exclude the minority during the vetting process.
Despite being present during the attacks captured by cameras, Jiage-Gobah remained silent, prompting calls for her to defend herself.
Markin, in a press conference, demanded her resignation or a change in her approach to her duties, accusing her of bias and lack of cooperation with the minority.
The Minister-designate for Communication, Samuel Nartey George, condemned the behavior of his colleague, describing it as unacceptable and urging Speaker Alban Bagbin to address the issue.
He criticized the misogynistic actions of Markin towards Jiage-Gobah, highlighting the need to respect her professionalism and dedication to her role. In a separate incident involving Annoh Dompreh and Hardcastle, tensions flared during a disagreement over rescheduling a vetting session.
Annoh Dompreh reportedly threatened and exchanged heated words with Hardcastle, leading to a public confrontation between the two.
Hardcastle later defended Jiage-Gobah while condemning the verbal attacks directed at her, emphasizing the need for women to stand up against bullying and discrimination in the face of patriarchal attitudes.
The incidents have underscored concerns about gender discrimination and toxic behavior within the parliamentary setting, with calls for accountability and respect towards female professionals in positions of authority.