MP apologises after 'I'll marry you' remark to schoolgirl sparks backlash
A light-hearted exchange during a school visit to Parliament has triggered widespread criticism after a Ghanaian MP told a primary school pupil he would marry her when she grows up, prompting fresh debate over the conduct of public officials and child protection.
What began as an educational visit to Parliament for a group of schoolchildren has become the centre of a national debate after a Member of Parliament's remarks to a young girl sparked widespread criticism and renewed conversations about child protection and the responsibilities of public office.
Yakubu Mohammed, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, has apologised after a video showed him telling a primary school pupil that he would marry her when she grows up.
The incident occurred during a visit by pupils to Parliament, where the MP interacted with the children before singling out 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 and all of you as well will be somebody in future," he said, as laughter broke out among those present.
The reaction online was markedly different.
The video quickly spread across social media, attracting thousands of comments and prompting many Ghanaians to question whether such remarks were appropriate when directed at a child.
While some defended the legislator, arguing that the comments were intended as harmless humour, many others said the exchange sent the wrong message during a visit designed to inspire young people to aspire to leadership and public service.
Critics argued that public officials occupy positions of trust and that their words carry particular weight when engaging with children.
The controversy also reignited broader discussions about child safeguarding, appropriate language when interacting with minors and the standards expected of elected leaders.
Child rights advocates and social media users said that, regardless of intent, comments suggesting a future marriage with a child risk normalising inappropriate behaviour and undermine ongoing efforts to promote child protection and girls' rights.
MP apologises
Following the backlash, Mr Mohammed issued an unreserved apology, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate.
Speaking to Citi News, he said he regretted the incident and accepted responsibility for the discomfort his comments had caused.
"It is something that I am truly sorry for, and I don't think it will happen again. Irrespective of everything, I will be cautious," he said.
The legislator apologised to the pupil, her family and the wider public, particularly women who expressed concern over the remarks.
He also disclosed that he had begun efforts to contact the Member of Parliament for the constituency where the school is located in order to facilitate a visit and personally apologise to the child and her family.
Mr Mohammed said the experience had been a lesson and pledged to exercise greater caution in future interactions with children.
The controversy has continued to generate debate over the boundaries of humour in public life and the responsibility of elected officials to model behaviour that promotes respect, dignity and the protection of children.