Ahafo Ano South East MP Yakubu Mohammed made headlines last week after telling a schoolgirl visiting Parliament, "You're very beautiful. When you grow up, I'll marry you." The comment sparked widespread outrage and has since prompted calls for greater protection of minors in public spaces.
Rights Group Urges Protection for Schoolgirl
The Human rights Civil Society Organisation, Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA), has urged authorities and the public to protect the identity and dignity of the schoolgirl at the centre of controversy. In a statement, RANA said the child should not become the focus of political debate or public commentary following the incident. The organisation argued that children involved in public engagements require special protection, especially when controversies involving adults emerge.
RANA's call for protection is timely, given the sensitivity of the schoolgirl's situation. While the MP later apologised for his comment, attributing it to a traditional joking relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba communities, the organisation maintained that this should not be the end of the matter. Instead, RANA argued that institutions must establish systems that prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
Institutional Responsibility in Question
The incident has raised questions about institutional responsibility and how public spaces such as Parliament receive children. RANA said the matter should prompt discussions about how institutions can better safeguard the rights and dignity of minors. The organisation has called on Parliament to introduce child safeguarding protocols covering school visits, communication with minors, privacy, consent, and reporting procedures.
Parliament's response to the incident will be closely watched, particularly given the high profile of the schoolgirl involved. While some may view the MP's comment as a harmless joke, others see it as a disturbing example of how vulnerable children can be exploited in public spaces. By establishing child safeguarding protocols, Parliament can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Protecting the Child and Improving Institutional Safeguards
RANA has maintained that protecting the child while improving institutional safeguards should be the priority moving forward. This approach acknowledges that the schoolgirl's identity and dignity must be protected while also addressing the systemic issues that allowed the incident to occur. By taking a proactive approach to child safeguarding, Parliament can help build trust with the public and demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights of all Ghanaians, including minors.
In the coming weeks, Parliament will need to take concrete steps to address the concerns raised by RANA. This may involve introducing new policies or procedures that better safeguard the rights and dignity of children in public spaces. By doing so, Parliament can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and demonstrate its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: Joy Online
