A Member of Parliament, Yakubu Mohammed, representing Ahafo Ano South East, made inappropriate remarks to a primary school pupil during a civic education visit to the Parliament of Ghana. Mr. Mohammed told the child she was beautiful and declared he would marry her when she grew up, announcing she was "his wife." This incident, filmed and widely circulated, has ignited significant public backlash.
The lawmaker subsequently apologized, acknowledging his comments were inappropriate and caused distress to the child, her family, and the public. However, critics argue that this apology is insufficient. They contend that the incident represents an institutional failure by Parliament, which invited the child onto its premises for an educational program.
This event highlights broader concerns about institutional responsibility and child protection within Ghana's political landscape. The nation has invested significant resources in public campaigns against child marriage. A lawmaker making such a joke within the very institution responsible for creating laws against child marriage undermines these efforts and sends a conflicting message to the public.
Gender activists and human rights advocates have strongly condemned the remarks. One gender activist described the comments as reflecting a "low moral standard" and urged Parliament to sanction the MP directly. A human rights advocate criticized the remarks for reducing a girl to her appearance rather than her potential, emphasizing the seriousness of a lawmaker sexualizing a child within a national institution.
The incident necessitates a robust institutional response beyond a personal apology. Parliament must refer the matter to its Privileges Committee for formal disciplinary action. Conduct unbecoming a Member, especially when directed at a child during an official parliamentary program, should trigger the same disciplinary machinery used for other breaches of decorum.
Additionally, the Speaker's office needs to issue a public, recorded reprimand. This would clearly state that such conduct violates the standards expected of Members, rather than leaving the message to individual activists. A comprehensive safeguarding review of parliamentary school-excursion programs is also crucial. This review should establish clear rules on what MPs may and may not say to visiting minors.
Mandatory child-safeguarding training for all MPs and parliamentary staff who interact with school visits is essential. This training should be a standing condition for participating in outreach programs involving minors. Parliament must also offer direct, private support, including counselling, to the child and her family, rather than expecting them to seek it independently after being thrust into a national news story.
This incident is not merely about an embarrassing comment; it concerns the misuse of institutional trust. It underscores the need for Parliament to uphold its duty of care towards children. An apology closes a news cycle, but it does not protect the next child who walks through its doors for civic education.