Ayawaso Widows Association Condemns Dumelos Attack On Lydia Alhassan

The Widows Association in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency has condemned the attack on the Member of Parliament for the area by John Dumelo, the Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the area.

Dumelo, in a heated argument, accused the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, of killing her husband to occupy the political post - adding that she is a “bloody widow”.

His choice of words, according to the widow's association, is a “painful reminder”  and “disheartening” in a statement.

“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.” The statement said.

Read the full statement below 

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 obstacles 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 compassionmdash; 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 essential 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 detrimental rhetoric and to stand with us in promoting a society where widows and all women are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.


King Edward Ambrose Washman/