The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Yakubu Mohammed, has issued an unqualified apology after a video of him telling a schoolgirl during a visit to Parliament that he would marry her in the future sparked widespread public outrage .
In a statement issued on July 31, 2026, the MP acknowledged that his comment, which was captured in a viral video, was “inappropriate because it involved a child” and offered his sincere regrets .
The incident occurred during a visit by pupils of The Citadel School in the Sagnarigu Constituency to Parliament House. In the video, the MP is heard telling one of the girls: “You are very beautiful; when you grow up, I will marry you, so she is my wife. In future she will also be an MP” .
Cultural Context or Inappropriate Remark?
In his apology, the MP clarified that the comment was made in the context of the long-standing playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups. As a Mossi addressing members of the Dagomba community, he said the statement arose from the friendly and playful exchanges that have historically characterised the relationship between the two groups .
“The comment was not intended to cause harm, disrespect, embarrassment or discomfort to the pupil, her family, the school authorities, the Dagomba community or the general public,” he stated .
However, he acknowledged that “irrespective of my intention or the traditional context in which the statement was made, the comment was inappropriate because it involved a child” .
“I sincerely regret my choice of words and render my unreserved and unqualified apology to the relevant authorities, the school authorities, the pupil, her parents and family, and the general public,” the MP said .
He further recognised the responsibility attached to his words and public conduct as a Member of Parliament and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting and respecting the dignity, welfare and rights of every child .
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The remarks drew sharp criticism from child rights advocates, civil society groups, and members of the public, with many questioning the appropriateness of such comments from a public official to a minor .
Human Rights advocate Rev. Hornam Adzraku-Kevi told Channel One TV that the country must promote young women and girls to take leadership places, “no be to dey objectify dem as sex objects or marriage tools” .
Within hours of the video surfacing, social media users called for the MP to resign or face sanctions from Parliament . Some criticised the comment as reinforcing harmful narratives that reduce women to marriage materials rather than inspiring them to pursue leadership roles .
Who Is Yakubu Mohammed?
The 37-year-old first-time MP entered Parliament after the 2024 elections as a member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) . He is also a board member of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) .
He holds an Earth Science degree from the University for Development Studies (UDS), an MBA in International Business from Cardiff Metropolitan University, and has experience in procurement and communications roles .
The MP has also indicated that he intends to contact the Member of Parliament for the constituency where the school is located to facilitate a visit to formally apologise to the pupil and her family .
