Yakubu Mohammed, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ahafo Ano South East, has issued an unreserved apology following widespread public criticism. The apology addresses comments he made to a primary school pupil during an educational visit to Parliament. The incident, which occurred on July 31, 2026, sparked intense debate across social media platforms.
The controversy originated from a viral video showing Mr. Mohammed complimenting the young pupil's appearance. He then remarked that he would marry her during an interaction with students from The Citasel School, who were visiting Parliament House from the Sagnarigu Constituency. This interaction immediately drew significant backlash from various groups.
This incident fits into a broader national conversation about the conduct of public officials and their interactions with children. Ghana has robust child protection laws, and such remarks, even if intended playfully, can be seen as undermining efforts to safeguard minors. The public expects high standards of conduct from elected representatives, especially when engaging with vulnerable populations like children.
Responding to the criticism, Mr. Mohammed stated that his comments were made within the context of a longstanding playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups. He explained, "As a Mossi addressing members of the Dagomba community, my statement arose from the friendly and playful exchanges that have historically characterised the relationship between our two groups." However, he stressed that this explanation does not diminish the inappropriateness of the comments.
The MP fully acknowledged that, irrespective of his intention or the traditional context, the comment was inappropriate because it involved a child. He sincerely regretted his choice of words and rendered an unreserved and unqualified apology to the relevant authorities, school officials, the pupil, her parents, and the general public. This incident highlights the need for public figures to be acutely aware of their words and actions, particularly in interactions with children.
Mr. Mohammed further stated his recognition of the responsibility that accompanies public office. He pledged to ensure that such an incident does not recur, reaffirming his commitment to protecting and respecting the dignity, welfare, and rights of every child. This commitment is crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding ethical standards in governance.
The incident has generated nationwide discussion on appropriate interactions between public officials and children. Child protection advocates are urging leaders to avoid remarks that could be interpreted as sexualising minors or reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This event serves as a reminder for all public figures to exercise greater caution and sensitivity in their engagements with young people.
Moving forward, decision-makers and child advocacy groups will likely monitor the implementation of such commitments. The public will watch for tangible actions from elected officials to demonstrate their understanding and adherence to child protection principles. This event underscores the ongoing importance of safeguarding children's rights and promoting respectful interactions across all levels of society.