Ghanaian MP’s ‘Future Wife’ Remark to Schoolgirl Sparks Child-Protection Debate

A Ghanaian MP, Yakubu Mohammed, drew criticism after telling a schoolgirl during a public visit that he would marry her when she grew up. Although he later apologised, the incident has renewed concern about how adults speak about children in public. Ghana continues to face serious child-protection challenges. National data indicates that about one in five girls is married before age 18, while surveys have also documented widespread sexual violence against adolescent girls. In that context, jokes presenting a child as a future wife can reinforce attitudes that put girls at risk. The writer argues that culture should not be used to excuse remarks that sexualise or objectify children. She calls on Parliament to impose meaningful sanctions, institutions hosting children to strengthen safeguarding rules, and community leaders and the media to promote public education on child protection. The central message is clear: adults should challenge such comments rather than laugh them off, especially when they are made by people in positions of power.

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