Parliamentary Ethics and Child Protection

We are calling for accountability and a proper investigation into remarks reportedly made by Hon. Yakubu Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East Constituency, during a visit to Parliament by a group of schoolchildren.

During the interaction, the following words were reportedly said to a schoolgirl:

“You’re very beautiful.”
“When you grow up, I’ll marry you.”
“She’s my wife.”

Comments of this nature, when directed at a child, raise serious concerns about appropriate boundaries, child protection, and the standards expected of elected public officials. Parliament is a place where young people should feel safe, respected, and valued, and public representatives have a responsibility to model appropriate behaviour when engaging with minors.

This petition calls for:

A fair and transparent investigation into the reported incident.
Appropriate accountability if the remarks are found to be inconsistent with parliamentary ethical standards.
Stronger safeguarding measures to protect children who visit and interact with public institutions.
Our concern is not only about one incident, but about ensuring that children are treated with dignity and that holders of public office are held to the highest standards of conduct.