The Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament, Yakubu Mohammed, has issued an unqualified apology after a video of him telling a schoolgirl during a Parliament visit 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 seen telling one of the girls: "You are very beautiful; when you grow up, I will marry you, so she is my wife."\
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.
The apology followed intense criticism on social media, with child rights advocates and members of the public questioning the appropriateness of such comments from a public official to a minor.
