Two Citizens Petition Mahama Over Alleged Misogynistic Remarks by Ashanti Regional Minister

Two Ghanaian citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations that he made sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks directed at former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie.

The petitioners are urging the President to invoke Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) to investigate the matter and impose appropriate sanctions, including a formal reprimand or the possible termination of the minister’s appointment.

In a petition dated June 9, 2026, and submitted through the Executive Secretary at Jubilee House, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu described the alleged remarks as a serious violation of the ethical standards expected of public office holders.

“The petition concerns serious breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) by Dr. Frank Amoakohene arising from sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks published on social media,” portions of the petition stated.

Central to the complaint is an alleged Facebook post attributed to Dr. Amoakohene, which reportedly read: “Akosua Kumaa, wokon do anaa? You want to have a taste of it?”

According to the petitioners, the statement was sexually suggestive, degrading and disrespectful towards women, particularly Ms. Manu. They argued that the language amounted to sexual harassment and fell far below the standards of civility, professionalism and dignity required of a Minister of State.

The petition further contends that the alleged comment constitutes a crude and deliberate sexual reference that cannot reasonably be interpreted in any non-offensive context. It also argues that the statement creates a hostile environment for women and undermines efforts to promote gender equality and respect in public discourse.

The petitioners maintain that the alleged conduct breaches several provisions of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics, including obligations requiring public officials to treat all citizens with dignity and respect.

Beyond the ethical concerns, the petition also cites constitutional principles on equality and non-discrimination, arguing that the alleged public humiliation of a woman by a senior government official is inconsistent with Ghana’s constitutional commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women.

“The sexual degradation and public humiliation of a woman by a Minister of State is fundamentally incompatible with the constitutional guarantee of equality and respect for human dignity,” the petition asserted.

Consequently, the petitioners are requesting two key remedies from the President: a formal written reprimand to be placed on Dr. Amoakohene’s official record and consideration of his removal from office.

“Considering the gravity of the offending statement and the multiple breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) established herein, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to exercise the authority vested in you under Section 6 of the Code,” the petition stated.

As of the time of filing this report, Dr. Frank Amoakohene had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.