The Widows Associations of Ayawaso Wuogon has responded to recent claims by Mr John Dumelo against Hon Lydia Alhassan. The association expressed deep concern and disappointment in the actions on Mr Dumelo, NDC Parliamentary candidate in the Ayawaso Wuogon Constituency.
In a recent program aired by TV3, Mr. Dumelo made an egregious and
unsubstantiated allegation that Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan was responsible for the
death of her late husband, an accusation that is not only unfounded but also deeply
offensive to all widows and women across the nation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29TH AUGUST, 2024
STATEMENT BY THE WIDOWS ASSOCIATION IN AYAWASO WEST
WUOGON CONSTITUENCY CONDEMNING THE INFLAMMATORY
ALLEGATIONS BY MR JOHN DUMELO AGAINST HON LYDIA SEYRAM
ALHASSAN
The Widows Association in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency expresses its
deep disappointment and strong condemnation of the recent derogatory comments
made by Mr. John Dumelo, the Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic
Congress (NDC) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, against Hon. Lydia
Seyram Alhassan, the current Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon and
Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
During a public program organized by TV3, Mr. Dumelo made an egregious and
unsubstantiated allegation that Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan was responsible for the
death of her late husband, an accusation that is not only unfounded but also deeply
offensive to all widows and women across the nation. This reprehensible statement is
an affront to the dignity of widows, who already face significant emotional and societal
challenges after the loss of their spouses.
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan has shown immense strength and resilience in the face
of personal tragedy, emerging as a dedicated public servant who has served her
constituents and the nation with distinction. Her leadership in Parliament and her
contributions as the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the 8th Parliament of the 4th
Republic have been commendable. As a widow, she has become a symbol of
empowerment, showing that despite adversity, women can rise to positions of
influence and serve their communities with integrity and commitment.
The Widows Association in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency views Mr.
Dumelo’s comments as an attack not only on Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan but on all
widows in Ghana. His words are a painful reminder of the stigmatization and discrimination that widows often face in our society. It is disheartening that a public
figure would resort to such baseless accusations to score political points, disregarding
the pain and suffering that his words could cause.
Our cultural values as Ghanaians are rooted in respect, empathy, and compassion—
especially towards widows, who deserve our support and understanding. Mr. Dumelo’s
statements are a betrayal of these values and a stark departure from the decency and
respect that should characterize our public discourse.
The Widows Association in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency stands in
solidarity with Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan and supports any legal action she may
take to defend her reputation and seek justice. We believe that such actions are
necessary to protect the dignity of all widows and to send a clear message that
derogatory and unfounded attacks on women, particularly widows, will not be
tolerated.
We call on all Ghanaians to reject such divisive and harmful rhetoric and to stand with
us in promoting a society where widows and all women are treated with the respect
and dignity they deserve.
Signed
WIDOWS ASSOCIATION
AYAWASO WEST WUOGON CONSTITUENCY
ACCRA, GHANA
