In a Facebook post titled “Franklin, Abu & Harvard,” he broke down why he believes Franklin’s assessment is flawed.
Manasseh opened with a historical analogy: in 1773, Harvard evaluated students based on family status rather than intellect.
Future U.S. President John Adams finished 14th in a class of 24, yet history remembers him—not the aristocratic students at the top. He suggested Franklin’s remark reflects a similar outdated elitist mindset.
Although Jinapor denies ever making disparaging comments about Zanetor, Manasseh focused on the idea that heritage does not automatically confer superiority. Both MPs have impressive credentials: Abu is a lawyer, and Zanetor is a medical doctor.
Manasseh recalled his childhood in Kete-Krachi, saying that while Jerry Rawlings was admired, that shouldn’t mean his children automatically rank higher than others.
Highlighting Harvard’s modern approach, he noted that the university abandoned elitist ranking, favoring merit and inclusivity.
“You succeed on your own, regardless of your grandfather’s fame,” he wrote, underlining that both Abu and Zanetor earned their parliamentary positions legitimately.
In closing, Manasseh urged Franklin to celebrate individuals who achieve through their own effort and to avoid implying that prestige is inherited from a prominent family name.