Two Ghanaian women have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, calling for disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene over social media comment they describe as sexually offensive against former Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Akosua Manu fondly called Kozie.
The petitioners contended that Dr. Amoakohene’s misogynistic comments on Kozie are inconsistent with the standards expected of public office holders.
The petition, dated June 9, 2026, was submitted by Madam Barbara Twum and Madam Jennifer Owusu accuse the Regional Minister of violating provisions of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025).
According to the petitioners, Dr. Amoakohene made a comment on his Facebook page on June 3, 2026, directed at Akosua Manu.
They argued that the remarks were sexually suggestive, derogatory and inappropriate for a senior government official.
The petitioners contended that the well-publicised comments amounted to sexual harassment, misogynistic conduct and gender-based denigration.
They further argued that the statement contravenes several sections of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics, including provisions relating to civility, dignity, respect, integrity and the maintenance of public confidence in government institutions.
Such conduct, the petitioners maintained, undermines efforts to promote gender equality and respect for women in public life.
They also referenced constitutional provisions aimed at protecting equality and encouraging the full participation of women in national development.
According to the petitioners, sexualised remarks could have broader consequences, including damage to the government’s reputation, erosion of public trust and the normalisation of inappropriate conduct by public officials.
As part of their requested relief, the petitioners are asking the Presidency to issue a formal written reprimand to Dr. Amoakohene and to consider terminating his appointment as Ashanti Regional Minister.
Copies of the petition, THE CUSTODIAN gathered, have been sent to a number of organisations, including media institutions, women’s rights groups, human rights organisations, the Ghana Journalists Association and the Christian Council of Ghana.
The petition has renewed discussions about the conduct of public officials on social media and the standards of behaviour expected from persons occupying high public office.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Office of the President nor Dr. Amoakohene had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
Background to the petition
It all started some months ago when the Ashanti Regional Minister posted the New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2028 flagbearer Dr Bawumia in diapers on his Facebook timeline, derogatorily depicting the former Vice President as a child in diapers.
As one of the lead communicators for her party, Kozie equally responded strongly, telling Dr Amoakohene to respect the former Vice President and the office he occupies. Dr Amoakohene then took to his Facebook to make a post using the word “Akosua Kumaa” which in twi parlance refers to the female genitalia.
A few days ago, Kozie made another Facebook post unrelated to the minister.
He jumped in to ridicule her. However, Kozie didn’t take it lightly, having had enough of his taunts.
“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,” Kozie reacted.
However, instead of giving a political response, the Ashanti Regional Minister rather went misogynistic, sexually abusing Kozie, asking if she desired to have sex with him?
“Akosua kumaa, wokon dɔ anaa? You want to have a taste of it”, Dr Amoakohene again posted on his Facebook timeline.
Having used that euphemism before and the question he asked our checks revealed that, ‘Akusua kumaa’ in Twi parlance is actually euphemism for the female genitalia (vagina or clitoris), with the Ashanti Regional Minister essentially asking if Kozie desired him.
