Parliament Slammed: RANA Demands Action Over MP Yakubu Mohammed's Controversial Comments to Schoolgirl

Human rights organisation, Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA), has urgently called for comprehensive child safeguarding reforms within Ghana's Parliament and other public institutions following controversial remarks made by Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament, Yakubu Mohammed. The incident, which involved the MP addressing a primary school pupil inappropriately during an educational visit to Parliament, has highlighted significant gaps in how public officials interact with minors and the existing protective measures for children in civic spaces.

The controversy stems from a widely circulated video where Mr. Yakubu Mohammed was seen telling a female primary school pupil, "You're very beautiful. When you grow up, I'll marry you. So she's my wife," during a parliamentary visit. He later encouraged her to aspire to become an MP. These remarks sparked widespread public criticism, with many child rights advocates deeming them inappropriate. In response to the backlash, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed issued an unreserved apology, explaining that his comment was influenced by the traditional joking relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba communities. He stated, "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."

While acknowledging the MP's apology, RANA firmly stated that "An apology is not a safeguarding policy." The organisation argued that an apology addresses individual conduct but fails to resolve broader questions of institutional responsibility. RANA has therefore demanded that the Member of Parliament undergo accredited training in child safeguarding, child rights, appropriate adult-child boundaries, and gender-sensitive public communication. Furthermore, RANA requested that Parliament prevent Mr. Mohammed from participating in official engagements involving visiting children or school groups until this mandatory training is completed. This measure, RANA emphasized, is crucial to ensure public officials understand and adhere to appropriate communication and behavioural standards when interacting with minors.

Beyond the individual incident, RANA views this event as a catalyst for much-needed institutional reforms. The organisation stressed that children visiting Parliament must be primarily treated as children, citizens, and future leaders, rather than being placed in situations involving inappropriate adult-child references, such as romantic or matrimonial contexts with adult politicians. RANA underscored that the precincts of Parliament are an active civic space regularly frequented by schoolchildren, students, and other members of the public, necessitating formal safeguarding measures.

To address these systemic vulnerabilities, RANA has called on Parliament to establish comprehensive child safeguarding protocols. These protocols should cover various aspects including school visits, youth programmes, privacy, photography, consent, robust reporting procedures for concerns, and clear professional boundaries for interactions with minors. The organisation also advocates for mandatory safeguarding orientation for all Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff who are involved in activities with children. Additionally, RANA urged the creation of a clearly identifiable safeguarding focal point, allowing pupils, parents, teachers, and schools to confidentially report any concerns.

RANA's calls extend beyond Parliament, urging the government to develop and implement minimum child safeguarding standards across all public institutions. This includes ministries, departments, agencies, local assemblies, and any state programmes that involve children. The organisation reiterated that cultural explanations for such comments should not override the fundamental need for appropriate boundaries between adults and children.

Crucially, RANA also issued a strong caution against exposing the primary school pupil involved in the controversy to further public scrutiny. The organisation insisted that the child's identity, school, family, and reactions should not be "endlessly republished for partisan advantage or public entertainment." RANA asserted, "This is not the child's scandal. She must not become collateral damage in an adult political controversy." The focus, RANA maintained, must remain on protecting the child's identity and dignity while improving institutional safeguards.

RANA has requested a substantive response from Parliament within fourteen working days, emphasizing that the focus must shift from the individual controversy to strengthening protections for children in all public spaces. The organisation's ultimate goal is to close the institutional gap exposed by the incident through systematic reform, ensuring safer environments for children interacting with public officials.