The Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Yakubu Mohammed, has issued an unqualified apology over a comment he made to a schoolgirl during a school visit to Parliament House.

In a statement, the MP said he had seen a video circulating on social media capturing remarks he made during a visit by pupils of The Citadel School, in his constituency, to Parliament House last week.

During the interaction, he described one of the basic school pupils as beautiful and said he would marry her when she grows up.

He said the comment was made in the context of what his official statement described as a long-standing playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups.

He explained that, as a Mossi addressing members of the Dagomba community, his remark stemmed from traditions of friendly, joking exchanges between the two groups.

He added 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, the comment was inappropriate because 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.

He said that, as an MP, he recognised the responsibility attached to his words and public conduct, and remained committed to protecting the dignity, welfare and rights of every child.

Read more below:

OFFICE OF THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT HON. YAKUBU MOHAMMED

MP FOR AHAFO ANO SOUTH EAST CONSTITUENCY

31 July 2026

UNQUALIFIED APOLOGY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

My attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media concerning a comment I made during a visit by pupils of The Citasel School in the Sagnarigu Constituency to Parliament House last week.

During the interaction, I described one of the basic school pupils as beautiful and stated that I would marry her when she grows up.

I wish to clarify that the comment was made in the context of the long-standing playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups. As a Mossi addressing members of the Dagomba community, my statement arose from the friendly and playful exchanges that have historically characterised the relationship between our two groups.

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, I fully acknowledge that, irrespective of my intention or the traditional context in which the statement was made, the comment was inappropriate because 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.

As a Member of Parliament, I recognise the responsibility attached to my words and public conduct. I remain firmly committed to protecting and respecting the dignity. welfare and rights of every child.

I once again offer my sincere and unqualified apology.

Yours faithfully

Hon. Yakubu Mohammed (BSc., MBA)

Member of Parliament