Minister under fire for alleged sexist remarks against Akosua Manu

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has been criticised by the Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED), over what it describes as sexually suggestive, misogynistic and degrading remarks allegedly directed at New Patriotic Party (NPP) politician, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com published on June 5, 2026, the gender advocacy organisation expressed concern over comments circulating on social media and other media platforms, which it said carried explicit sexual connotations and language intended to demean and humiliate a female political figure.

GenCED stressed that while political disagreements and public debate are legitimate aspects of democracy, sexual harassment, misogyny and gender-based humiliation have no place in Ghana’s political space.

“The reported comments, including references carrying explicit sexual connotations and derogatory language aimed at reducing a woman's identity, dignity and political standing to sexual objects or body parts, are offensive, unacceptable and wholly inconsistent with the standards expected in a democratic society,” the organisation stated.

GenCED warned that such conduct contributes to the hostile environment women already face in politics, including discrimination, intimidation, online abuse, sexist stereotypes and threats to personal safety.

The organisation further argued that when political actors resort to sexualised language against women, it discourages women and young girls from aspiring to leadership positions and participating fully in democratic governance.

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“The normalisation of such conduct sends a dangerous message that women who enter politics must endure humiliation, sexual objectification and abuse rather than engage in robust debates about policies, governance and national development,” the organisation indicated.

GenCED said it was particularly disturbed that the reported remarks appeared intended to ridicule and sexually humiliate a female political actor, warning that such behaviour undermines efforts to promote women’s leadership and gender equality in Ghana.

The organisation also cited Section 1.3 of the government’s Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees, which calls for civility, courtesy and restraint in public engagements.

According to GenCED, ministers and political appointees are expected to use decorous language, avoid offensive conduct and maintain the dignity and integrity of public office.

“The reported remarks appear inconsistent with these ethical obligations and raise legitimate concerns about adherence to the standards expected of holders of high public office,” they noted.

The advocacy group urged an immediate end to sexist, misogynistic and sexually offensive rhetoric in political discourse and called for a public apology and retraction of remarks deemed demeaning to women in politics.

It also appealed to political parties, state institutions, media organisations and social media platforms to promote respectful public discourse and challenge content that fuels misogyny and gender-based abuse.

Reaffirming its position, GenCED said democracy is strengthened when political actors focus on ideas, policies and national development rather than personal attacks rooted in gender.

“Women should be evaluated on their competence, leadership, ideas and public service, not subjected to degrading comments that seek to silence, intimidate or diminish them,” it said.

MRA/VPO

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