AKOSUA MANU PETITIONS PARLIAMENT TO SANCTION MP OVER ‘I’LL MARRY YOU’ REMARK TO SCHOOLGIRL

Akosua Manu, Gender and Social Protection Advisor to the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate *Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has formally petitioned Parliament to investigate the MP for Ahafo Ano South East, Yakubu Mohammed, over comments he made to a 9-year-old girl during a visit to the House.

The petition, which surfaced on Friday, July 31, follows public backlash over a viral video where the lawmaker praised the young girl’s appearance and told her he would marry her, calling her his “future wife.”

In the petition, Akosua Manu described the MP’s remarks as inappropriate and below the standard expected of Parliamentarians, whether meant as a joke or not.

“Parliament, as the country’s highest democratic institution, must uphold the highest standards of integrity, decorum and accountability, particularly in matters involving children and other vulnerable persons,” she stated.

She urged Parliament’s disciplinary office to probe the matter and apply the relevant sanctions, citing breaches of Standing Orders 30(c), 31(1) and 31(o).

Akosua Manu further argued that the comments go against the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), Ghana’s constitutional duty to protect children, and international agreements including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

She is asking Parliament to consider its strongest available punishment, including expulsion, to send a clear message on child protection and ethical leadership.

“The gravity of this matter extends beyond a single incident. It concerns the image and credibility of Parliament as an institution and the standards of behaviour expected of those who serve in it,” the petition added.

Meanwhile, Hon. Yakubu Mohammed has apologized. In a statement, the MP said his comment was meant to be light-hearted and was not intended to offend the child, her family, or the public.