Pressure is mounting at the Jubilee House after two Ghanaian citizens formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, demanding disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations of sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks directed at former National Youth Authority Deputy Chief Executive, Akosua Manu.
The petition, submitted on June 9, 2026, by Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, invokes Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025), calling for urgent presidential intervention, including a formal investigation and possible dismissal from office.
At the centre of the controversy is a Facebook post attributed to the Minister, which the petitioners describe as sexually suggestive and deeply inappropriate for a public officeholder. The quoted remark, widely referenced in the petition has triggered heated public debate over ministerial conduct, gender respect, and the ethical limits of political speech in the digital age.
The petitioners argue that the alleged statement, which includes sexually suggestive wording directed at the former NYA deputy CEO, constitutes not only a breach of decorum but a violation of the standards expected of high-ranking public officials.
They describe the language as “sexually explicit, vulgar, and gender-demeaning,” insisting it cannot be interpreted in any benign or political context. According to them, the remarks—if confirmed—amount to sexual harassment and represent a serious abuse of the authority and visibility associated with ministerial office.
They further contend that such conduct undermines constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity, warning that it risks normalising verbal harassment against women in public life.
CODE OF CONDUCT TESTED
The petition heavily leans on the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025), arguing that the alleged behaviour violates core obligations of civility, professionalism, and respect for citizens.
In strongly worded sections, the petition asserts that the conduct—if proven—would be incompatible with the moral and ethical responsibilities of a government appointee, particularly one serving at regional ministerial level.
CALL FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The petitioners are demanding two key outcomes from the presidency:
- A formal written reprimand to be placed on the Minister’s official record
- Consideration of termination of appointment, depending on the outcome of investigations
“Considering the gravity of the offending statement… and the multiple breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to act,” the petition states.
GOVERNMENT SILENCE, PUBLIC EXPECTATION
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the Office of the Ashanti Regional Minister has issued an official response to the petition.
However, the development has already begun generating political and public interest, with observers noting that the case—if formally pursued—could test the enforcement strength of the new Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025).
For now, attention remains firmly fixed on Jubilee House as calls grow for clarity, accountability, and a swift determination of whether the allegations warrant disciplinary proceedings or dismissal.
