“You Are very Beautiful, I Will Marry You” – MP Under Fire Over Comment To Schoolgirl

A visit to Parliament meant to inspire schoolchildren has sparked controversy after a video showed an MP telling a young girl that he would marry her when she grows up.

Ahafo Ano South East MP Yakubu Mohammed made the remark while interacting with pupils during an educational tour of Parliament.

Speaking to the schoolchildren, he singled out one of the girls and said:

“You are very beautiful; when you grow up, I will marry you, so she is my wife. In future she will also be an MP and all of you as well will be somebody in future.”

The comment drew laughter from some people present, but the video quickly went viral on social media, where many Ghanaians criticised the remark.

Many social media users questioned the message such a statement sends to children, especially young girls.

Some critics argued that, even if it was intended as a joke, the comment took attention away from the purpose of the visit, which was to encourage children to dream of becoming future leaders.

Child rights advocates also raised concerns, saying public officials should be careful with their words when interacting with children because they are trusted public figures.

They argued that comments of this nature are inappropriate at a time when there is growing awareness about child protection and the need to safeguard children.

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the conduct expected of elected officials.

While some people defended the MP, describing the remark as harmless humour, others insisted that such jokes are inappropriate, especially when directed at minors.

Watch the video below: