A youth-led organization, the Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman, has submitted a petition to Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, demanding an apology from the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Murtala Muhammed, who also serves as the Minister of Science and Technology. The controversy arose after the MP allegedly referred to JB Danquah, a prominent figure in Ghana’s independence movement, as a traitor and a CIA agent. The group finds these remarks offensive, arguing that they distort historical facts and undermine the contributions of JB Danquah to Ghana’s development. To express their displeasure, members of the coalition, dressed in red bands, gathered in protest and officially handed their petition to the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Djetror. They urged the Speaker of Parliament to ensure that the MP retracts his statement, removes it from the parliamentary records, and issues a formal apology to both the Danquah family and the Ghanaian public.
In response to the controversy, several political figures and members of the Dankwa-Busia political tradition have condemned the MP’s remarks. Yaw Adomako Baafi, a notable member of this group, expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that national leaders should be honored rather than disrespected. He described JB Danquah as a man of integrity who played a crucial role in Ghana’s progress, highlighting that he sacrificed a great deal for the nation before his tragic demise. Baafi insisted that instead of tarnishing Danquah’s reputation, Ghanaians should celebrate his legacy and contributions. Additionally, Akomaning Yeboah, the leader and convener of the protesting group, reiterated that the comments made by the MP were not only false but also damaging to Ghana’s historical narrative. He called on Parliament to take decisive action in addressing the issue and ensuring that public figures are held accountable for their statements.
Acknowledging the grievances raised by the group, Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Djetror assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed appropriately. He reaffirmed that Parliament remains committed to engaging with the public and responding to issues that affect the nation. The controversy surrounding JB Danquah’s legacy continues to spark discussions, with some individuals supporting the MP’s claim while others staunchly defend Danquah’s reputation. This incident highlights the broader debate about Ghana’s political history and the role of key figures in shaping the country’s independence. As the matter awaits further deliberation, the public remains eager to see whether Parliament will take action on the petition or if the MP himself will respond with a retraction and apology.
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