A group calling itself, The Conservative Alliance Network (CAN) has called on the President of the Republic of Ghana to dismiss two of his ministers, Hon. Hajia Boya, the Deputy Minister of Women and Children’s Affair and The Minister of Communication, Haruna Iddrisu, who according to them have acted to bring the name of Ghana into disrepute.
According to the group, the two Ministers of State have acted in a way that makes them unfit for their positions, and hence President John Dramani Mahama must dismiss them 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, according to the Alliance is about a revelation by Hon. Hajia Boya alleging that John Jinapor, spokesperson of the President “slapped” her months ago.
It could be recalled that there occurred between these two state ministers some bloodbath which has escalated to the extent that other political parties have added their voice to the call for the President to do something about the situation.
According to the group, they find it strange that the 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.”
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.”
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.
In the light of the above, the Conservative Alliance Network (CAN) is demanding that, the President must dismiss Hajia Boya Gariba and Haruna Iddrisu as Ministers of State, thee President should institute an enquiry into the assault and the findings made public, and the President should also act on the assault case against his spokesperson, John Jinapor.
