RANA asks Parliament to restrict MP Yakubu Mohammed child engagements until safeguarding training is completed

A human rights organisation, Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA), has called on Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament Yakubu Mohammed to undergo accredited training in child safeguarding, child rights and appropriate adult-child boundaries following remarks he made to a primary school pupil during an educational visit to Parliament. The organisation has also asked Parliament to prevent the MP from taking part in official engagements involving visiting children or school groups until the training is completed. RANA said the measure is necessary to ensure that public officials understand appropriate communication and behavioural standards when interacting with minors.

“The Member concerned should undertake accredited training in child safeguarding, child rights, appropriate adult-child boundaries and gender-sensitive public communication. Until that training is completed, he should not undertake an official parliamentary role involving direct engagement with visiting children or school groups,” the organisation stated. The call follows a widely circulated video in which Mr Yakubu Mohammed is seen telling a female primary school pupil during a parliamentary visit: “You’re very beautiful.

So she’s my wife.” The MP later encouraged the pupil to aspire to become a Member of Parliament. The remarks triggered public criticism, with some child rights advocates and members of the public describing them as inappropriate. Mr Yakubu Mohammed subsequently issued an unreserved apology, explaining that his comment was influenced by the traditional joking relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba communities.

“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,” he said. While acknowledging the apology, RANA said the incident should lead to broader institutional reforms within Parliament. “An apology is not a safeguarding policy,” the organisation stated, arguing that while an apology addresses the conduct of an individual, it does not resolve questions about institutional responsibility.

RANA said children who visit Parliament must be treated first as children, citizens and future leaders, rather than being placed in situations involving inappropriate adult-child references. Human rights Civil Society Organisation, Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA) has urged authorities and the public to protect the identity and dignity of the schoolgirl at the centre of controversy following comments made by Ahafo Ano South East MP Yakubu Mohammed during a visit to Parliament. The organisation said the child should not become the focus of political debate or public commentary following the incident.

RANA said children involved in public engagements require special protection, especially when controversies involving adults emerge. “The pupil’s identity, school, family and apparent reaction should not be endlessly republished for partisan advantage or public entertainment,” the organisation stated. The group said the incident should instead prompt discussions about institutional responsibility and how public spaces such as Parliament receive children.