The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Mohammed Yakubu, has rendered an unqualified apology after comments he made to a primary school pupil, which have generated widespread public condemnation and criticism.
The legislator, while addressing pupils who visited Parliament on Thursday, July 30, 2026, complimented one of the pupils and said he would marry her when she grows up.
He remarked: “You are very beautiful. When you grow up, I will marry you. She’s my wife.”
This went viral, and drew sharp criticism from child rights advocates, civil society groups and sections of the public, with many asking him to resign for those comments.
But the MP has clarified his comments and explained the rationale behind his gestures, indicating that he spoke on the back of decades-long playful relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups.
“I wish to clarify 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, my statement arose from the friendly and playful exchanges that have historically characterised the relationship between our two groups,” he explained.
The Ahafo Ano South East MP says his comments were not intended to “cause harm, disrespect, embarrassment or discomfort to the pupil, her family, the school authorities, the Dagomba community or the general public.”
In a statement issued on Friday, July 31, 2026, he acknowledged that his 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.”
This incident has ignited conversations about safeguarding ethics and training for public servants and employees in both public and private organisations.
Some have also urged appropriate interactions between public officials and children regardless of ethnic underpinnings or cultural undertones.
Mohammed Yakubu says he recognises the responsibility that comes with public office and pledged to ensure that such an incident will not recur.
By Christian Yalley
