Ghanaian disc jockey DJ Switch has publicly criticised Ahafo Ano South East MP Yakubu Mohammed for inappropriate comments made to a schoolgirl. The MP's remarks, captured in a viral video, occurred during an educational visit to Parliament. Mr. Mohammed told the schoolgirl, "You are very beautiful; when you grow up, I will marry you, so she is my wife."
DJ Switch, a prominent media personality, described the comments as "genuinely disgusted." She argued that children should never be the subject of romantic remarks by adults. The incident has sparked a wider debate about child protection and the normalisation of such interactions in Ghanaian society.
This incident reflects a broader societal challenge in Ghana regarding the treatment and protection of children. While not directly economic, the implications for child welfare and public trust in leadership are significant. Such events can erode confidence in institutions responsible for safeguarding vulnerable populations. Ghana has ratified international conventions on child rights, making the conduct of public officials in this regard particularly scrutinised.
DJ Switch explicitly rejected suggestions that the MP's comments were harmless humour. She stated, "That's not funny. That's not charming. That is not African humour. That is completely inappropriate." She further questioned why marriage would be introduced into a conversation with a child, even in jest.
The implications of such remarks extend beyond the immediate incident. They highlight a need for clearer guidelines and enforcement mechanisms within Parliament regarding interactions with minors. Public figures, especially those in leadership positions, are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct. This event could prompt calls for enhanced child safeguarding training for public officials and a review of existing protocols.
DJ Switch also highlighted that the issue is not limited to men, noting that women also make comments that normalise inappropriate attitudes towards children. She cited examples of adults telling young boys they would have girlfriends or reserving children for someone's son or daughter. These comments, she argued, have become so commonplace that many people no longer recognise their potential harm.
Drawing from her own experiences, DJ Switch revealed that she has been subjected to inappropriate comments since childhood. She mentioned adults in her comment sections counting down to when she would become "ripe." She described such behaviour as predatory, stating, "Let's call a spade a spade. That's paedophilic."
She questioned the accountability mechanisms within Parliament and state institutions regarding such incidents. DJ Switch asked, "What accountability exists when one of your own has publicly made such inappropriate remarks towards a child?" She also criticised the weak enforcement against inappropriate online comments directed at children, citing her own unsuccessful attempt to report a comment to the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana.
The MP, Yakubu Mohammed, has since apologised for his comments. However, DJ Switch's critique underscores a deeper concern about the cultural acceptance of language that places children into adult relationships before they are old enough to understand. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to protect children's innocence and ensure their safety from inappropriate advances, whether in person or online.