Gender and social protection advocate Akosua A. Manu has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate and sanction the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South, Mohammed Yakubu, over alleged inappropriate remarks made to a schoolgirl during a visit to Parliament.
In a petition dated 31 July 2026, Manu said the MP was heard in a video circulating on social media addressing a minor among a group of schoolchildren who had visited Parliament.
According to the petition, Yakubu allegedly told the girl that he would marry her and make her his wife when she became an adult.
Manu said she was concerned about the appropriateness of the remarks, regardless of whether they were intended as a joke.
She argued that Parliament, as the country’s foremost democratic institution, must uphold high standards of integrity, decorum and responsibility, particularly when interacting with children and other vulnerable members of society.
“Members of Parliament occupy positions of public trust and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the House and inspires confidence among the citizenry, particularly children and other vulnerable members of society,” she said.
Manu said schoolchildren visiting Parliament were there to learn about democracy, leadership and public service and should leave with admiration for the institution and the conduct of its members.
She argued that remarks suggesting marriage to a child could undermine Parliament’s commitment to child protection and ethical leadership.
Calls for investigation and sanctions
The petition asked the Speaker to investigate the matter and invoke the appropriate disciplinary processes if the allegations were found to constitute a breach of Parliament’s Standing Orders.
Manu specifically cited Standing Order 31(1) and Standing Order 36, arguing that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with the spirit of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), as amended, as well as Ghana’s constitutional commitment to the protection of children.
She also referred to Ghana’s obligations under 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,” she said.
Manu described the matter as extending beyond an isolated incident, arguing that it concerned the image and credibility of Parliament and its institutional commitment to safeguarding children’s rights.
She urged the Speaker to take the necessary steps “in the interest of Parliament and the Republic.”
The petition was copied to Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the Leader of the Women’s Caucus, Patricia Appiagyei.
The petition concerns an allegation against Mr Yakubu; the document itself does not establish that the alleged remarks amounted to misconduct or that any disciplinary finding has been made.
Source: asaaseradio.com
