Asiedu Nketiah Defends Rawlings Against ‘Murderer’ Allegations in Parliament
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has strongly rejected claims that the party’s founder, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was a murderer. His response comes after an MP from the Minority side of Parliament referred to Rawlings’ daughter, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, as the “daughter of a murderer” during a heated parliamentary session on February 4, 2025.
Speaking on Radio Gold, Asiedu Nketiah criticized members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for labeling Rawlings a killer due to the events of the June 4th Revolution, during which several senior military officials were executed. He argued that if leading a coup automatically makes one a murderer, then members of the NPP should also be held accountable for the first coup d’état in Ghana’s history.
“I was shocked when I heard this daughter of a murderer comment. These new NPP members do not know their history. They are completely detached from their history, and that is why such a comment would come from an NPP MP,” he stated.
Asiedu Nketiah reminded Ghanaians that the first coup after independence was led by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and Major Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa, whom he described as the “grandfathers” of today’s NPP. He insisted that blaming Rawlings alone for the deaths that occurred during the revolution was historically inaccurate.
The controversy erupted when Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the MP for Klottey Korle, attempted to contribute to a parliamentary debate. However, she was denied the opportunity as the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was addressing the House. As tensions rose, an unidentified MP from the Minority side was heard referring to her as the “daughter of a murderer.” Another MP reportedly added, “But there is evidence that her father killed people.”
The remarks sparked outrage, with many condemning the use of personal attacks in parliamentary discourse. Afenyo-Markin intervened to restore order before continuing his speech.
This incident has reignited debates about Ghana’s political history and the legacy of Rawlings, who led two coups before becoming the country’s first democratically elected president under the Fourth Republic. While some continue to view him as a hero who brought stability and democracy, others remain critical of the executions carried out during his leadership.
Asiedu Nketiah’s defense of Rawlings highlights the deep political divisions surrounding Ghana’s past and the need for a more respectful and informed political debate in Parliament.