A petition has been formally submitted to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, calling for strict sanctions, including possible expulsion, against the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Hon. Mohammed Yakubu, following comments made to a nine-year-old girl during a school visit to the House.
The petition, authored by Akosua A. Manu, Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, follows the widespread circulation of a video online depicting the lawmaker addressing the child and suggesting she would become his wife.
Addressing the Speaker in the petition, Manu highlighted the public outrage generated by the footage, noting that such conduct directly undermines the dignity and moral standing of the legislature.
“In the video, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Hon. Mohammed Yakubu, is heard addressing a nine-year-old girl and making remarks to the effect that he would marry her and that she would become his wife,” the petition stated. “Irrespective of whether these comments were intended as a joke or made in jest, they were directed at a minor and are manifestly inappropriate for a Member of Parliament.”
The petition stressed that Parliament, as the nation’s premier democratic institution, must maintain exemplary standards of decorum and public trust, particularly when interacting with visiting students who look up to lawmakers as role models.
“School children who visit Parliament do so to learn about democracy, leadership, and public service. They should leave with admiration for the institution and the exemplary conduct of its Members,” Manu argued.
“Remarks suggesting marriage to a child, regardless of intent, undermine these expectations and risk eroding public confidence in Parliament’s commitment to child protection and ethical leadership.”
Invoking Parliamentary procedures and legislative frameworks, the petition noted that Hon. Yakubu’s actions breach Standing Orders 30(c), 31(1), and 31(o), while also contradicting the spirit of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
“In accordance with Standing Order 36, an expulsion should be considered to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering commitment to protecting children, preserving the dignity of the House, and maintaining the confidence of the Ghanaian people,” the petition urged.
Copies of the petition have been served to the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga; the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin; and the Leader of the Women’s Caucus, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, as the House is urged to initiate immediate disciplinary proceedings.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
