The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Yakubu Mohammed, has apologised over comments he made to a primary school pupil during a recent visit to Parliament.

The remarks, captured in a viral video, sparked public criticism after the MP complimented the child’s appearance and said he would marry her when she grows up.

In an interview, Mohammed admitted that his comments were inappropriate and acknowledged that they caused discomfort to the pupil, her family and members of the public.

He described the incident as regrettable and issued an apology to the child, her family and the general public.

“It is something that I am truly sorry for, and I don’t think it will happen again. Irrespective of everything, I will be cautious,” he said.

Mohammed also said he has begun efforts to contact the MP for the constituency where the school is located to facilitate a visit to the school, where he intends to formally apologise to the pupil and her family.

He said he accepts responsibility for his remarks and is committed to ensuring that a similar situation does not occur again.

The controversy followed a video in which the MP was heard telling the pupil: “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.”

The comments generated debate on social media, with several users questioning the appropriateness of such remarks by public officials when interacting with children and calling for greater sensitivity.