Dismiss Haruna Iddrisu And Hajia Boya Now!

The Conservative Alliance Network (CAN) wish to express our utter

disgust at the conduct of two Ministers of our republic which has

brought the name of our nation into disrepute

Hon. Hajia Boya, the Deputy Minister of Women and Children’s Affair is

alleged to have led a group of NDC party faithfuls to beat up one Mmaa

Kande. The assault angered other NDC party faithfuls who swore to

teach the Deputy Minister a bitter lesson.

On the 26th of August, 2012, the Deputy Minister, Hajia Boya Gariba

was physically assaulted in retaliation. Her dress was torn apart,

exposing her nudity in public. The Minister of Communication, Haruna

Iddrisu is alleged to have masterminded the assault. According to

Hajia Boya, she saw Hon. Iddrisu leading the group that assaulted and

disgraced her publicly.

We condemn both attacks. The attack on the Deputy Women’s Minister

specifically brings back memories of the 1979 revolution days when

market women were stripped and whipped in public. Our country has come

too far to be dragged back as far as three decades ago.

The two Ministers of State have acted in a way that makes them unfit

for their positions. We call on President John Dramani Mahama to

dismiss the two ministers immediately. We believe this will send a

strong signal that he does not support or condone violence. Our

President has on various platforms promised violence free elections.

This brutal assault case presents a fine opportunity for the President

show his commitment to peace, before this year’s election.

Another disturbing development about this issue is a revelation by

Hon. Hajia Boya. She alleged that John Jinapor, spokesperson of the

President “slapped” her months ago. She disclosed that the President

was aware of the assault. We find it strange that our President has

not acted on this matter till now. We believe this casts doubts about

the President’s commitment to peace and protection of women.

Many civil society organizations and NGO’s have committed resources to

ensuring women are represented in governance. With such reports of

assaults on women, it deters more women from joining politics. We, the

Conservative Alliance Network (CAN) conclude by demanding that:

1. The President must dismiss Hajia Boya Gariba and Haruna Iddrisu as

Ministers of State. Their conduct has brought the name of our country

into disrepute. The international community and media are observing

how the nation handles this matter.

2. The President should institute an enquiry into the assault and the

findings made public.

3. The President should also act on the assault case against his

spokesperson, John Jinapor

Thank you.

Signed:

ANTHONY ABOTSI AFRIYIE 0201207337

PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM 0262232000

EDEM AGUDOGO 0243048465