The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to investigate derogatory comments made against the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and his daughter, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle.

The incident occurred during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, January 4, 2025.

In the petition, the Foundation expressed "absolute disbelief" at the "unprintable words" uttered by a New Patriotic Party (NPP) member of parliament.

The remarks were described as "toxic and untruthful," constituting an indictment not only on Parliament but on the entire country.

The Foundation emphasised that such behaviour "exposed a desire by a select few members of Parliament to hide under the guise of the August House to provoke a toxic atmosphere within the political environment."

The petition highlighted President Rawlings' pivotal role as the first President of the Fourth Republic, noting his "exceptional sacrifice, selfless leadership and unrelenting commitment to rebuilding our political and socio-economic fabric."

It further stated, "He took difficult decisions that Ghana required to uplift her out of political and economic turmoil."

Addressing the comments directed at Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, the Foundation noted her effective tenure as an MP since 2017, saying that "holding on to her seat as an opposition member of parliament and winning three times in a row is no small feat."

The petition condemned the "crude" attempt to "shut her down during Parliamentary proceedings," labelling it as misogynistic and a "gross abuse and disrespect that cannot be ignored."

The Foundation called upon Parliament to "investigate the matter and compel the offending member of Parliament to acknowledge responsibility and retract the defamatory remark which was inflammatory, despicable, unconscionable and disgraceful." The Foundation urged for "urgent action" to address the issue.

This is the second group to petition the Speaker over the matter after traditional rulers of the Anlo Kingdom in the Volta Region petitioned the Speaker over the incident.