Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Hon. Yakubu Mohammed, has issued an unreserved and unqualified apology following public backlash over a comment he made to a basic school pupil during a visit to Parliament House.

The Yakubu Mohammed apology, contained in a statement dated July 31, 2026, follows the circulation of a viral video showing the MP describing a pupil from The Citadel School in the Sagnarigu Constituency as “beautiful” and saying he would marry her when she grows up.

The remark sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many expressing concern over the appropriateness of the statement.

Addressing the issue, the legislator explained that his comment was made within the context of the long-standing playful cultural relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups.

According to him, as a Mossi speaking to members of the Dagomba community, his remarks were intended as part of the friendly exchanges that have historically existed between the two groups and were not meant to offend anyone.

He stressed that the statement was never intended to cause harm, disrespect, embarrassment or discomfort to the pupil, her family, the school authorities, the Dagomba community or the general public.

Despite the explanation, Yakubu Mohammed admitted that the comment was inappropriate because it involved a child.

“I fully acknowledge that, irrespective of my intention or the traditional context in which the statement was made, the comment was inappropriate because it involved a child,” he stated.

In the Yakubu Mohammed apology, the MP expressed deep regret over his choice of words and offered an unreserved apology to the relevant authorities, the management of The Citadel School, the pupil, her parents and family, and the general public.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the responsibilities of his office, noting that he recognises the impact of his words and public conduct.

“As a Member of Parliament, I recognise the responsibility attached to my words and public conduct. I remain firmly committed to protecting and respecting the dignity, welfare and rights of every child,” he said.

Yakubu Mohammed concluded the statement by once again extending his sincere and unqualified apology, saying he deeply regrets the incident and the offence his remarks may have caused.

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday honoured the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho’s lifetime of dedicated service to Ghana and the international community, describing him as a distinguished statesman, diplomat and nation builder whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

The President joined family members, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and mourners at the state funeral of the former Foreign Affairs Minister and former President of the ECOWAS Commission.

In a tribute delivered on his behalf by Presidential Adviser and Special Aide, Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, President Mahama said Ambassador Gbeho embodied integrity, professionalism and patriotism throughout more than five decades of public service.

Born in January 1935 in Keta in the Volta Region, Ambassador Gbeho was the son of Philip Gbeho, who arranged Ghana’s National Anthem. According to the tribute, he inherited a profound sense of duty to the nation and devoted his life to advancing Ghana’s interests at home and abroad.

“Representing one’s country was not simply an assignment but a sacred trust,” the President said, adding that wherever Ambassador Gbeho served, “Ghana’s flag flew a little higher because it was represented by a man of exceptional integrity, sound judgment and remarkable intellect.”

President Mahama highlighted Ambassador Gbeho’s decade-long service as Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1980 to 1990, describing it as one of the longest and most distinguished diplomatic postings in the country’s history.

He also praised the late diplomat’s tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs under President Jerry John Rawlings from 1997 to 2001, recalling that he had the privilege of serving alongside him in Parliament during that period and witnessing his unwavering commitment to Ghana’s national interest.

The tribute further recognised Ambassador Gbeho’s international assignments as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia and later President of the ECOWAS Commission, where he played key roles in promoting peacebuilding, dialogue and regional integration.

President Mahama also acknowledged Ambassador Gbeho’s service as Senior Adviser to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, describing him as a trusted counsellor who continued to place his wealth of experience at the service of the Republic.

Describing him as one of Ghana’s rare nation builders, the President said Ambassador Gbeho never sought personal glory but remained committed to serving his country with honour.

“His voice may now be silent, but the respect he earned for Ghana will continue to speak long after his generation has passed,” the tribute said.

A child receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Police Hospital after the Dzorwulu Highway accident has died.

The sad development was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Alex King Nartey, in a post shared on his Facebook page.

ADO I Nartey expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the deceased child to rest in peace.

The child was among several pupils who sustained injuries in the tragic Dzorwulu Highway accident, which occurred on Thursday, July 30, along the Dzorwulu–Accra Mall stretch of the N1 Highway in Accra.

The crash involved a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter school bus carrying about 11 lower primary school pupils and a loaded tipper truck.

According to preliminary investigations, the tipper truck reportedly rammed into the rear of the school bus, which bears registration number GT 5717-14.

The children, aged between three and 10 years, were travelling from Ashaiman to Accra in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus when the collision occurred.

Following the impact, emergency responders rushed to the scene to rescue the injured children, who were transported to various health facilities for treatment. The deceased child had been receiving critical care at the Police Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit before succumbing to the injuries.

The Dzorwulu Highway accident has sparked renewed concerns over road safety, particularly the transportation of schoolchildren on Ghana’s highways. Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.