Human Rights Advocate and Executive Director of the Purim African Youth Development Platform, Rev. Hornam Adzraku-Kevi, has criticised comments made by the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Yakubu Mohammed, to a minor during a visit to Parliament, describing them as harmful and reinforcing negative stereotypes about women and girls.
The remarks, captured in a viral video, have sparked public debate over how public officials engage with children. In the video, the MP complimented the girl’s appearance and suggested he would marry her in the future.
“You are very beautiful; when you grow up, I will marry you, so she is my wife, in future she will also be an MP,” Mr Yakubu said.
Reacting to the incident, Rev. Adzraku-Kevi said such comments undermine efforts to empower young girls and shift attention away from their abilities and potential.
She called on leaders and policymakers to promote messages that encourage girls to pursue education, aspire to leadership positions, and recognise their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking to Citi News, she stressed that women have consistently demonstrated their capabilities across various sectors and should not be defined by their physical appearance or viewed through a sexualised lens.
“These are the stereotypes that we speak against. It is important that we, as policymakers, leaders, and stakeholders, promote a positive image of women and girls. Women are not only images of sex; women are not sex objects. Women can be empowered, and women can occupy high policy decision-making positions,” she said.
Rev. Adzraku-Kevi urged public officials and other influential figures to be mindful of the messages they convey to young people, particularly girls, emphasising that leaders have a responsibility to foster an environment where children can grow in confidence and pursue their ambitions without being constrained by harmful stereotypes.
She added that promoting respectful and empowering narratives about women and girls is essential to building a society in which they can fully participate in leadership and decision-making.
