Gender activist Esther Tawiah has urged Parliament to investigate and sanction Ahafo Ano South East MP Yakubu Mohammed over comments he made to a minor during a visit to Parliament, arguing that lawmakers must be held accountable for conduct that undermines the rights and dignity of women and children.
The call follows the circulation of a viral video in which the MP is heard telling the child that she was beautiful and that he would marry her.
Speaking to Citi News, Ms. Tawiah said the remarks were inappropriate and should not be dismissed as a joke.
She argued that public officials, particularly Members of Parliament, are expected to uphold high ethical standards, especially when interacting with children.
“I think that’s an unfortunate comment from a Member of Parliament. How do you become this misogynist at that level?” she said.
Ms. Tawiah called on the MP to retract his comments and offer an unqualified apology to the child and her family.
According to her, such remarks contribute to the objectification of women and girls and undermine efforts to promote gender equality and child protection.
She further urged Parliament to treat the matter seriously and initiate an investigation into the incident.
Ms. Tawiah noted that the comments were made on parliamentary premises, where members are expected to comply with the institution’s code of conduct and maintain behaviour consistent with the dignity of their office.
“He might say that it was a joke, but how do you joke with such things?” she added.
The incident has sparked public debate about the conduct of elected officials and the standards expected of public office holders in their interactions with minors.
The Ahafo Ano South East MP was captured in the video complimenting the child, asking for her name and saying he would marry her, comments that have since drawn criticism from gender advocates and sections of the public.
