Verbal Exchanges Between Kennedy Agyepong And Afia ‘Schwarzenegger’ 

COMMENTARY ON THE VERBAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN MP FOR ASSIN NORTH KENNEDY AGYEPONG AND TV AND RADIO PRESENTER AFIA ‘SCHWARZENEGGER’ 

The Member of Parliament for Assin North, Kennedy Ohene Agyepong and TV and Radio presenter Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa popularly known as Afia ‘Schwarzenegger’ have been in the news of late for all the bad reasons. Afia during one of her mid-morning shows on an Accra based private radio station, criticized the MP for insulting the family of President John Mahama. To her, the Assin North MP could have saved himself if he had criticised the work of the president, leaving out his family. However, the MP did not take Afia's comment kindly. True to his vow of going down the gutters with Afia, the MP hurled all kinds of unprintable insults at her. He accused her of bedwetting and threatened to "post her nude pictures on social media. Characteristic of the MP, he roped in other individuals who had nothing to do with the case. Already, one footballer had threatened to sue the MP for suggesting that he had infested the lady with HIV/AIDS. It is sad that, following the MP's threat to post Afia's nude pictures on social media, some pictures of that sort have gone viral, even though we cannot vouch for their authenticity, especially in this era of photo-shopping. Be that as it may, the whole episode is despicable, and should not be accepted in a civilised and well refined country like ours. 

Many well-meaning Ghanaians, have condemned the two people for their infantile conduct. Indeed, some individuals and groups have since petitioned the Speaker of Parliament over the conduct of the MP, which they believe is dishonourable and unbecoming of an MP.  What we expect from our leaders is innovation and good thinking about how to overcome our challenges. Parliament is a very revered institution and its members are held in high esteem. That is why MPs are addressed as honourable. But an honourable man is one who is morally upright, ethical, decent, virtuous, and noble. Indeed, Parliament jealously guards its reputation. 

Not long ago, the Speaker of Parliament had cause to refer some citizens to the Privileges Committee for making comments which were believed to be in contempt of Parliament and as having dented the image of the House. Parliament must not only be worried about comments from non-members, but more importantly, its members must demonstrate high standards and live above reproach. The Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament state in part that any act or omission which affronts the dignity of Parliament or which tends either directly or indirectly to produce such a result shall be contempt of Parliament. In or outside the floor of the House, MPs must behave as honourable men do. If the conduct of Mr. Agyepong is not contemptuous, one wonders what more can constitute contempt. The silence from the House and its leadership so far is too loud and shocking. It is even more incredible, that the party that the MP belong, has also been quiet on the matter. It appears that we have a kind of a sub-culture in our society whereby our laws are made to bite the underprivileged very hard, while the so called people in high places are treated with kid gloves. This is ridiculous and we must not allow this culture to fester. 

Indeed, the Kennedy Agyepong - Afia Schwazeneger exchange is yet another demonstration of the onerous task that lies on the National Media Commission to sanitise the airwaves. This reinforces the need to discuss the new NMC law dispassionately and see the wisdom in it rather than looking at it as an attempt to gag the media. We cannot and we should not allow people suffering from verbal diarrhoea to have access to the airwaves and infest the rest of us with this deadly disease. Our politics must be guided by our societal and cultural values and norms. Hiding under the cloak of politics to indulge in this kind of behaviour is reprehensible and abominable to say the least. Having said that, Afia, cannot also escape blame. It is sad we have to grapple with a number of personalities parading as journalists who have thrown the ethics of journalism to the dogs and engage in unacceptable conducts in the quest for cheap fame and fortune. The media house has shown the way by firing Afia, the ball is now in the court of Parliament.

BY: BUBU KLINOGO, A JOURNALIST.