Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament (MP), Yakubu Mohammed, has apologised following backlash over a comment he made to a schoolgirl during a visit by pupils to Parliament House.
A video circulating on social media showed the MP interacting with pupils from The Citasel School in the Sagnarigu Constituency during their visit to Parliament last week.
In the video, Mr Mohammed singled out one of the schoolgirls and told her: “You are very beautiful; when you grow up, I will marry you, so she is my wife.” He added that the girl could become an MP in the future, alongside the other pupils.
The comment drew laughter from those present but triggered criticism on social media, with some users questioning the appropriateness of such remarks when directed at a child.
In a statement dated July 31, 2026, the MP issued an “unqualified and unreserved apology” to the general public, the pupil and her family.
Mr Mohammed explained that his comment was made in the context of what he described as a longstanding playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups.
“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,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that the context did not make the remark appropriate.
“However, I fully acknowledge that, irrespective of my intention or the traditional context in which the statement was made, the comment was inappropriate because it involved a child,” the MP stated.
Mr Mohammed said he regretted his choice of words and apologised to the relevant authorities, school authorities, the pupil, her parents and family, as well as the general public.
He also said he recognised the responsibility attached to his words and conduct as a Member of Parliament.
“I remain firmly committed to protecting and respecting the dignity, welfare and rights of every child,” he said.
The MP further disclosed that he was trying to locate the schoolgirl’s family to personally apologise for the comment.
