Gender activist Esther Tawiah has called on Parliament to sanction Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament Yakubu Mohammed over comments she described as misogynistic after he was captured in a viral video telling a minor he would marry her.
According to Esther Tawiah, the conduct of the lawmaker was inappropriate and must not be dismissed as a joke, stressing that Parliament must hold its members accountable, especially on issues involving women and children.
Speaking to Citi News on Friday, July 31, she urged the MP to retract his comments and render an unqualified apology to the child and her family.
She argued that such remarks contribute to the objectification of women and undermine efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of children.
“I think that’s an unfortunate comment from a Member of Parliament. How do you become this misogynist at that level?”
“What kind of low moral standard is this person who calls himself an Honourable Member of Parliament? Is he going to even make laws to help women in the country?” she questioned.
The gender activist insisted that the issue should be treated with seriousness, regardless of whether the lawmaker intended the comments as humour.
“He might say that it was a joke, but how do you joke with such things?” she added.
Esther Tawiah further called on Parliament to investigate the matter and ensure the MP apologises, noting that the incident occurred on parliamentary premises where members are expected to comply with a strict code of conduct.
The Ahafo Ano South East MP was captured in a video telling a minor during a visit to Parliament that she was beautiful, asking for her name, and saying he would marry her. The comments have since generated public discussion on appropriate conduct by public officials.
