The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has strongly condemned what it described as sexually suggestive, degrading, and misogynistic remarks directed at Madam Akosua Manu in recent public exchanges circulating on social media and other media platforms.
GenCED decried that women who participate in public life frequently face gender-based harassment, online abuse, sexualised attacks, and intimidation simply for exercising their democratic rights.
Akosua Manu popularly known as Kozie, a former Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA) has been an object of media abuse by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene.
It all started some months ago when the 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 Special Aide to the former Vice President, 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 and he jumped in to ridicule her.
However, Kozie didn’t take it lightly having had enough of the Regional Minister’s 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 euphism before and the question he asked our checks revealed that ‘Akusua kumaa’ in Twi parlance is actually a euphemism for the female genitalia (vagina or clitoris), with the Ashanti Regional Minister essentially asking if Kozie desired him.
GenCED’s response
GenCED in a detailed statement signed by its Executive Director, Madam Esther Tawiah, said these comments, which contained explicit sexual connotations and derogatory language, are deeply offensive, unacceptable, and incompatible with the standards expected in a democratic society.
It pointed out that such remarks undermine the dignity of women in politics and reduce their identity and contribution to public service to sexualised stereotypes.
“Women in politics already face significant barriers, including discrimination, intimidation, online abuse, sexist stereotypes, character assassination, and threats to their personal safety.
“When public officials or political actors resort to sexualised language and gender-based insults against women, they reinforce a hostile political environment that discourages women and young women from seeking leadership positions and participating fully in democratic governance,” GenCED mourned.
It emphasised that while political disagreement is a normal feature of democratic governance, it must remain focused on ideas, policies, and leadership choices.
The organisation stated clearly that sexual harassment, misogyny, personal degradation, and gender-based humiliation have no place in political discourse, reinforcing its support for Kozie.
“GenCED stands in solidarity with Madam Akosua Manu and all women who face harassment, abuse, and discrimination in political and public life. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, respectful, and democratic spaces where women and men can participate equally and with dignity,” it emphasised.
Rising concern over gendered attacks in politics
GenCED decried that normalisation of gendered attacks sends a harmful message that women in politics must endure humiliation and objectification rather than be respected for their competence, ideas, and leadership abilities.
This, the organisation said, undermines ongoing national and global efforts to promote gender equality and inclusive governance.
GenCED also expressed concern that the remarks by Dr Amoakohene appear to have been intended not merely as criticism but as a deliberate attempt to demean, ridicule, and sexually humiliate a female political actor.
It bemoaned that such conduct not only harms the individual targeted but also weakens public confidence in democratic discourse.
Ethical obligations of public officials
GenCED also drew attention to the ethical standards expected of public office holders, particularly referencing the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees.
The organisation highlighted provisions that require civility, restraint, and respect in all public communication.
The Code, GenCED noted, obligates public officials to use decorous language even under provocation, avoid offensive or provocative expressions, uphold the dignity of public office, and demonstrate courtesy and professionalism in all engagements.
It stated that the remarks by the Ashanti Regional Minister are inconsistent with these ethical requirements and therefore raise serious concerns about adherence to standards of public conduct.
GenCED stressed that individuals in positions of authority are expected to serve as role models whose behaviour reflects respect for democratic values and institutional integrity.
It argued that failure to uphold these standards risks eroding public trust in governance institutions and weakening the moral authority of leadership.
Call for immediate corrective actions
GenCED issued a series of recommendations aimed at addressing the situation and preventing future occurrences.
The organisation called for the immediate cessation of sexist, misogynistic, and sexually offensive language in political discourse.
It further demanded a public apology and retraction of any remarks that demean, sexualise, or humiliate women in politics.
Political parties, GenCED said, must take a stronger role in enforcing internal disciplinary standards to ensure that members adhere to principles of respect and responsible communication.
The organisation stressed that parties have a duty to sanction conduct that brings the political space into disrepute.
GenCED also called on the Office of the President and relevant state institutions to ensure strict enforcement of the Code of Conduct for Ministers and Political Appointees.
According to the organisation, ethical standards must not exist only on paper but must be actively upheld to maintain the credibility of public office.
In addition, GenCED urged media organisations and social media platforms to take a more proactive stance against the spread of misogynistic content, sexual harassment, and gender-based abuse.
It noted that digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse and must therefore play a responsible role in promoting respectful engagement.
The organisation further appealed to citizens to reject the normalisation of abusive language directed at women in politics and public life.
GenCED reiterated that protecting the dignity of women in politics is not only a gender issue but a democratic imperative that strengthens institutions and fosters national progress.
