The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has condemned sexually suggestive, degrading, and misogynistic comments directed at Ms Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, in recent exchanges on social media and other platforms.
GenCED said women in public life routinely face gender-based harassment, online abuse, and sexualized attacks simply for exercising their democratic rights. Akosua Manu, former Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, has become the latest target.
The incident began months ago when Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene posted an image of NPP 2028 flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in diapers on Facebook.
As Special Aide to the former Vice President, Kozie responded, asking the Minister to respect Dr. Bawumia and his office. Dr. Amoakohene then posted “Akosua Kumaa” on Facebook — a Twi term understood as a euphemism for the female genitalia.
Days later, Kozie posted an unrelated comment on Facebook. The Minister responded by ridiculing her. Kozie replied: “Prompt your tailor to give allowance to your clothes so it doesn’t cut oxygen to your brain. We need you lucid enough to attempt to solve the problems in Ashanti Region.”
Instead of a political response, Dr. Amoakohene posted another sexually explicit remark: “Akosua kumaa, wokon dɔ anaa? You want to have a taste of it.” Checks by GenCED confirm that, in context, the Minister was essentially asking if Kozie desired him sexually.
GenCED’s Response
In a statement signed by Executive Director Esther Tawiah, GenCED described the comments as “deeply offensive, unacceptable, and incompatible with democratic standards.”
The Centre said such remarks undermine the dignity of women in politics and reduce their contributions to sexualized stereotypes.
“Women in politics already face discrimination, intimidation, online abuse, sexist stereotypes, character attacks, and threats to personal safety,” GenCED noted.
“When public officials use sexualized language and gender-based insults, they create a hostile environment that discourages women and young girls from pursuing leadership.”
While political disagreement is normal in a democracy, GenCED stressed that it must focus on ideas and policies, not sexual harassment, misogyny, or personal degradation.
The organization said it stands in solidarity with Akosua Manu and all women facing abuse in public life, and reaffirmed its commitment to safe, inclusive, and respectful democratic spaces.
Rising Concern Over Gendered Attacks
GenCED warned that normalizing gendered attacks sends the message that women in politics must endure humiliation instead of being judged on competence and ideas.
This, it said, undermines national and global efforts to promote gender equality and inclusive governance. The Centre expressed concern that the Minister’s remarks appeared intended not just to criticize, but to deliberately demean and sexually humiliate a female political actor.
Such conduct, it said, damages not only the individual but public confidence in democratic discourse.
Ethical Obligations of Public Officials
GenCED referenced the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees, which requires civility, restraint, and respect in public communication.
Public officials are expected to use decorous language, avoid offensive expressions, and uphold the dignity of office. The Centre said Dr. Amoakohene remarks violate these standards and raise serious questions about adherence to public conduct rules.
It argued that leaders must model respect for democratic values, and failure to do so erodes public trust and weakens the moral authority of institutions.
Call for Corrective Action
GenCED issued several recommendations. Among them are immediate cessation of sexist, misogynistic, and sexually offensive language in political discourse. Public apology and retraction of remarks that demean, sexualize, or humiliate women in politics.
Stronger party discipline
Political parties must enforce internal standards and sanction members whose conduct brings the political space into disrepute.
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
The Office of the President and relevant state institutions must actively uphold ethical standards for ministers and appointees, not leave them on paper.
Media and platform responsibility
Media houses and social media platforms should proactively curb misogynistic content, sexual harassment, and gender-based abuse.
Citizen action
Ghanaians must reject the normalization of abusive language against women in public life. GenCED concluded that protecting the dignity of women in politics is not just a gender issue, but a democratic imperative that strengthens institutions and advances national progress.
