Two Ghanaian women have petitioned the Office of the President, demanding disciplinary action against Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene over an alleged sexually offensive social media comment.
The petition, dated June 9, 2026, was filed by Madam Barbara Twum and Madam Jennifer Owusu. They accuse the minister of breaching the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025).
According to the petition, Dr. Amoakohene posted a remark on Facebook on June 3, 2026, targeting Akosua Manu, former Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority.
The petitioners describe the comment as sexually suggestive, derogatory, and unfit for a senior government official. They argue the statement amounts to sexual harassment, misogyny, and gender-based denigration.
It violates sections of the Code of Conduct that require civility, dignity, respect, integrity, and the protection of public confidence in government institutions.
The petition also says such conduct undermines efforts to promote gender equality and women’s participation in public life. It cites constitutional provisions on equality and the full inclusion of women in national development.
The women warn the alleged remarks could damage the government’s reputation, erode public trust, and normalize inappropriate behavior by public officials.
Relief Sought
The petitioners are asking the Presidency to: Issue a formal written reprimand to Dr. Amoakohene and also consider terminating his appointment as Ashanti Regional Minister.
Copies of the petition were sent to media houses, women’s rights groups, human rights organizations, the Ghana Journalists Association, and the Christian Council of Ghana.
The petition has reignited debate on the conduct of public officials on social media and the standards expected of high office holders. As of publication, neither the Office of the President nor Dr. Amoakohene had issued a public response to the allegations.
In a related development, 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.
