Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has announced plans to petition Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin over comments made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, describing the remarks as disrespectful and unbecoming of a senior lawmaker.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 6, when the NPP leadership marched to the Jubilee House to present a petition to the Presidency as part of its nationwide protest.
The demonstration, dubbed “Democracy Under Attack,” was organised by the party to register its dissatisfaction with what it describes as growing threats to Ghana’s democratic institutions and governance.
Nana Jantuah was delegated by the Presidency to receive the petition on behalf of the government.
However, Afenyo-Markin questioned the decision, arguing that the official assigned to receive the petition did not reflect the significance of the concerns being raised by the opposition.
During his remarks, the Minority Leader reportedly described Nana Jantuah as “a nobody,” insisting that the NPP had deployed its top hierarchy to present the petition out of respect for the Presidency.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM after the event, Nana Jantuah said she was deeply hurt by the Minority Leader’s comments and believes they warrant a formal apology.
“I am old enough to be your mother. Afenyo-Markin is a small boy in my eyes. Who is he to disrespect me? He should never try that again,” she said.
She disclosed that she intends to petition Speaker Alban Bagbin to compel the Minority Leader to withdraw the remarks, insisting that such conduct should not be tolerated in Parliament.
“I will petition the Speaker for Afenyo-Markin to withdraw what he said. He used to call me ‘Senior.’ What has changed? I am so mortified. I cannot comprehend what happened,” she added.
