The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East Constituency, Yakubu Mohammed, has issued a public apology following backlash over comments he made to a basic school pupil during a visit to Parliament House.
In a signed statement dated Friday, July 31, the MP said his attention had been drawn to a video circulating on social media concerning remarks he made during a visit by pupils of The Citasel School in the Sagnarigu Constituency to Parliament House last week.
He admitted that during the interaction, he described one of the pupils as beautiful and said he would marry her when she grows up.
Explaining the context, the lawmaker said the comment was made in reference to what he described as the long-standing playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups.
He said that as a Mossi addressing members of the Dagomba community, his remark stemmed from the traditional exchanges that have historically characterised relations between the two groups.
The MP maintained that the comment was not intended to cause harm, disrespect, embarrassment or discomfort to the pupil, her family, the school authorities, the Dagomba community, or the general public.
However, he acknowledged that regardless of his intention or the cultural context behind the statement, the comment was inappropriate given that it involved a child.
“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.
Mr. Mohammed added that as a Member of Parliament, he recognises the responsibility attached to his words and public conduct, and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the dignity, welfare and rights of every child.
He signed off by once again offering his “sincere and unqualified apology.”