The Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has launched a strong attack on the NDC Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Mohammed Yakubu, describing his conduct as a “terrible disgrace” after the lawmaker allegedly made inappropriate marital remarks to a young schoolgirl visiting Parliament.

The controversy followed an excursion by basic school students to Parliament. During an interaction with the visiting pupils, the Ahafo Ano South East MP reportedly singled out a young schoolgirl, commented on her appearance and told her that he would marry her when she grew up.

Reacting to the incident, Dr Ayew Afriye sharply condemned the remarks, arguing that the lawmaker had used a platform meant to inspire and educate children to make inappropriate comments to a minor.

“Hon NDC MP in Ashanti Region, you are a disgrace, big time! Crushing on a school kid when you are to inspire! This is terrible!” Dr Ayew Afriye wrote on his Facebook timeline.

Speaking on the incident, the Effiduase-Asokore MP questioned the judgment of Mohammed Yakubu, stressing that Parliament should serve as a place of mentorship and inspiration for the younger generation.

According to Dr Ayew Afriye, school excursions to Parliament are intended to expose children to governance, deepen their understanding of democracy and inspire them to pursue careers in public service and other professions.

He said such visits should give children an opportunity to learn about how laws are made and how they, too, can aspire to become future leaders, rather than expose them to inappropriate remarks.

“When school children wake up early, put on their uniforms, and travel from their communities to the chamber of Parliament, they come looking for role models,” a source close to the Effiduase-Asokore MP said.

“They come to hear how laws are made and how they, too, can rise to serve Ghana. They do not come to Parliament to be targeted with romantic remarks or told they are being lined up for marriage by grown men in authority,” the source added.

The alleged comments by the Ahafo Ano South East legislator have sparked condemnation, with some members of civil society and child-rights advocates calling for an apology and scrutiny of the incident.

Critics have argued that comments of this nature, even when presented as jokes, can contribute to the premature sexualisation of young girls and undermine efforts to protect children from harmful social practices, including child marriage.

Dr Ayew Afriye insisted that parliamentarians must uphold the highest standards of public conduct, particularly when interacting with children.

He called on the NDC caucus and the leadership of Parliament to address the matter, warning that such conduct could damage the image of the institution.

The incident has generated public discussion, with attention now focused on Parliament and the NDC leadership over whether any official response or action will follow.