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 young girl during a visit to Parliament, describing the remarks as inappropriate and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women and girls.

The criticism follows the circulation of a viral video in which the MP, while interacting with the child, praised her appearance and jokingly suggested that he would marry her when she grows up.

“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 in the video.

The comments have generated widespread public discussion about the conduct of public officials and the nature of their interactions with children.

Speaking to Citi News, Rev. Adzraku-Kevi said such remarks risk shifting attention away from the aspirations and abilities of young girls by placing undue emphasis on their appearance.

She urged political leaders, policymakers and other influential figures to promote messages that inspire girls to pursue education, develop their talents and aspire to leadership positions.

According to her, women and girls should be recognised for their intelligence, abilities and contributions to national development rather than being viewed through stereotypes or reduced to their physical appearance.

“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 further called on public office holders to exercise greater care in their interactions with children, stressing that their words carry significant influence and can shape how young people perceive themselves and their future.

She emphasised that creating an environment where girls are encouraged to pursue their ambitions free from limiting stereotypes is essential to advancing gender equality and increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.