The Widows Association in Ayawaso West Wuogon has expressed deep disappointment in the recent allegations made against the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, John Dumelo.
Their dismay follows Dumelo’s remarks during a community manifesto interaction organized by TV3 on Wednesday, August 28.
In response to NPP supporters who were taunting him over a 2017 V8 scandal, Dumelo remarked, “I hear their supporters mentioning V8, V8, and if that is the case, it is also fair to say it is Lydia who killed her husband to become MP.”
In a statement dated August 29, the constituency’s Widows Association condemned his comments as baseless and highly offensive to widows and women across the nation.
“We urge all Ghanaians to reject such divisive and harmful rhetoric and to join us in promoting a society where widows and all women are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve,” the association appealed.
Below is the full statement.
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.
