Ministry warns Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection notes with utter shock claims by member of parliament for Klottey Korley constituency, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings that the Government of Ghana is not distributing food to kayayei as advertised.

in another instance the MP is heard claiming that food when distributed is only done after inspecting pro-government political identification cards. The claims are heard in a video airing on social and traditional media platforms.

While expressing disappointment at Dr. Zanetor Rawling’s attempt to create political mischief out of a humanitarian situation, the Ministry hereby states unequivocally that the allegations by Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings are totally fabricated and not the facts on the ground.

In fact, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection distributes the relief items directly to the kayayeis despite the challenge of maintaining social distancing protocols. During the food distribution, our staff risk their health and distribute the food and relief items to ensure proper nutrition and educate them on COVID-19 safety measures.

Most media houses in Accra have had the chance to cover the food distribution exercise at the Children’s park and other venues of the exercise.

Again, the MPs allegation that people are being asked to show party cards ostensibly by officials distributing government food relief items is a total fabrication. In fact, the distribution of food items to the kayayei and the vulnerable are being done by the officials of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the AMA, NADMO and the Fifth Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces.

To say officials of these state agencies and our respected military personnel are asking the poor and vulnerable groups to present party cards before food items are given to them can only be propaganda purported to undermine the efforts of the government.

We acknowledge that MPs like her would like to be seen by their constituents as caring and supportive at this time. MPs and politicians however do not need to demonize others while doing so. The coronavirus does not know political color. The fight against COVID-19 needs not to be politicized and laced with propaganda. All sides must work together for Ghana to win.

Source: Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Press release