A Ghanaian lawmaker has apologised after telling a schoolgirl he would marry her, following a wave of public criticism. Yakubu Mohammed, the MP for Ahafo Ano South East, made the remark during an event, according to Graphic Online.
Mohammed said his comment was "inappropriate" and accepted blame for the statement, the outlet reports. The apology came after the remark drew outrage, with BBC reporting that the lawmaker had been accused of "sexualising" the young student.
In his defence, Mohammed cited Mossi-Dagomba tradition to explain the remark, according to CitiNewsroom.com. However, the explanation did little to quell criticism, with 3News reporting that the apology followed a public uproar over the incident.
The controversy has prompted wider discussion about the treatment of minors in public settings. Asaase Radio published a commentary arguing that Parliament owes the child more than an apology, suggesting the incident raises broader questions about accountability.
The MP's apology addresses the immediate backlash, but the commentary from Asaase Radio indicates the matter may not be closed. Observers will be watching whether Parliament takes any further action in response to the incident.
