RANA Demands Action: Parliament Told to Protect Schoolgirls from MPs
Ahafo Ano South East MP Yakubu Mohammed has sparked public debate with his remarks to a primary school pupil during an educational visit. The MP told the female pupil, "You're very beautiful. When you grow up, I'll marry you. So she's my wife."
The comments have led to a call for action from Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA), a Civil Society Organisation that advocates for the rights of children and vulnerable groups. RANA has demanded that Parliament introduce comprehensive child safeguarding standards to protect schoolgirls from similar incidents in the future.
Parliament's Civic Space: A Hub for Schoolchildren
Parliament is not only a legislative chamber but also a civic space regularly visited by schoolchildren, students, and members of the public. RANA argues that this makes formal safeguarding measures necessary to protect children who interact with political leaders and other public officials. The organisation has pointed out that Parliament's precincts are not exclusively occupied by legislators, but also serve as a space for various stakeholders.
Apology Not Enough: RANA Seeks Institutional Reforms
Although MP Yakubu Mohammed later apologised for his comments, RANA has maintained that an apology is not sufficient to address the concerns. The organisation has called for Parliament to clarify whether it has existing child protection guidelines for school visits and public engagements involving minors. RANA has also requested that Parliament publishes any existing safeguarding policy, introduces mandatory training for MPs and staff who engage with children, establishes reporting mechanisms, and develops clear rules on issues such as photography, privacy, and communication with minors.
Government Urged to Develop Minimum Child Safeguarding Standards
RANA has also called on the government to develop minimum child safeguarding standards across public institutions, including ministries, agencies, local assemblies, and state programmes involving children. The organisation has maintained that while the MP's apology should be acknowledged, the focus must remain on protecting the child and ensuring institutions create safer environments for children.
In its statement, RANA argued that cultural explanations should not override concerns about appropriate boundaries between adults and children. The organisation has emphasized that the incident should trigger broader institutional reforms rather than end with an apology.
Protecting Schoolgirls: A Matter of Institutional Responsibility
The concerns raised by RANA are not limited to the Ahafo Ano South East MP's comments. They highlight the need for Parliament and other public institutions to take responsibility for creating safer environments for children. The organisation's demands are a call to action for Parliament to introduce comprehensive child safeguarding standards and ensure that schoolgirls are protected from similar incidents in the future.
The debate sparked by MP Yakubu Mohammed's comments serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting children from exploitation and abuse. As RANA continues to push for institutional reforms, it remains to be seen whether Parliament will take concrete steps to address the concerns raised by the organisation. One thing is certain, however – the safety and well-being of schoolgirls must remain a top priority for public institutions.
Source: Joy Online
