Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA) has formally requested Parliament to restrict Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament (MP) Yakubu Mohammed from official engagements involving children. This directive will remain in place until he completes accredited child safeguarding training. The call follows public criticism of remarks the MP made to a primary school pupil during an educational visit to Parliament.
RANA's demand stems from a widely circulated video. In the video, Mr. Mohammed tells a female primary school pupil, "You're very beautiful. When you grow up, I'll marry you. So she's my wife." He then encouraged the pupil to aspire to become an MP. These comments triggered significant public backlash, with child rights advocates and citizens deeming them inappropriate.
This incident highlights a critical need for enhanced child protection measures within Ghana's public institutions. Parliament, as a key national body, must set a clear example for appropriate adult-child interactions. The broader context involves ensuring that all public officials understand and adhere to strict safeguarding standards when engaging with minors. This is crucial for maintaining public trust and protecting vulnerable children.
RANA explicitly stated, "The Member concerned should undertake accredited training in child safeguarding, child rights, appropriate adult-child boundaries and gender-sensitive public communication." The organization added that until this training is completed, the MP should not undertake any official parliamentary role involving direct engagement with visiting children or school groups. This statement underscores the urgency and necessity of the proposed training.
Mr. Mohammed has since issued an unreserved apology for his comments. He explained that his remarks were influenced by the traditional joking relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba communities. However, RANA emphasized that "An apology is not a safeguarding policy." The organization argues that while an apology addresses individual conduct, it does not resolve systemic issues regarding institutional responsibility for child protection.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the individual MP. RANA is pushing for Parliament to establish comprehensive child safeguarding protocols. These protocols should cover school visits, youth programmes, privacy, photography, consent, reporting procedures, and professional boundaries. This would represent a significant step towards a safer environment for children visiting parliamentary premises.
Furthermore, RANA advocates for mandatory safeguarding orientation for all Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. This training would apply to anyone involved in activities with children. The organization also called for a clearly identifiable safeguarding focal point. This point would allow pupils, parents, teachers, and schools to confidentially report concerns.
RANA also urged the government to develop minimum child safeguarding standards across all public institutions. This includes ministries, departments, agencies, local assemblies, and state programmes involving children. This broader initiative would create a consistent framework for child protection nationwide. The organization also cautioned against exposing the pupil involved to further public scrutiny, stating, "This is not the child's scandal. She must not become collateral damage in an adult political controversy."
Parliament is expected to provide a substantive response to RANA's requests within fourteen working days. The focus is now shifting from the individual controversy to strengthening protections for children in public spaces. This incident could serve as a catalyst for significant reforms in how public officials interact with children across Ghana.