The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akewley Ocloo, has stepped on the back pedal on her public comment that suggested that transferring public or civil servants to northern Ghana to work was a form of punishment.
“If you issue a permit to someone to put up a building knowing very well it is illegal, “you will also face the law. Some of them [officers] have been transferred to the north [northern Ghana] to serve as a kind of punishment for them, so that when they realise that what they did was wrong, they “[will be] brought back to Accra and other places..” the minister said while speaking during a visit to a Ramsar site where a demolition exercise was ongoing following the construction of illegal structures.
Following public condemnation of the minister’s comment suggesting that working in the north was a form of punishment, she has since apologised and indicated it was a “genuine slip.”
In the statement dated May 5, 2026, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, acknowledged that her comment in the widely circulated video suggested postings to northern Ghana could be seen as punitive.
She described the remark as a “slip in communication” that does not reflect her actual views or official public service policies.
“My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated video in which I made remarks suggesting that postings to the northern part of our beloved country could be considered as a form of punishment.”
“I wish to state, without reservation, that the comments captured in the video were a genuine slip in communication and do not reflect my considered views, nor do they represent the established policies and procedures governing staff postings within the Public Service.
She explained that her comment was made while responding to concerns about technocrats allegedly issuing development permits without due process and sometimes being posted within nearby districts, allowing such practices to persist,” the statement read.
In clarifying her response, she referenced cases where some individuals had been transferred far from their usual places of residence, but admitted her wording created an unintended impression.
“For clarity, I was responding to a media question regarding concerns that some technocrats alleged to have engaged in the issuance of development permits without due process are sometimes posted to districts within proximity, thereby allowing such practices to persist.”
The Minister offered an apology to Ghanaians, particularly residents in the northern regions, for any offence or discomfort caused.
She said he was committed to fairness, due process and professionalism in all administrative decisions, including staff postings and transfers.
“I wish to assure the public that I hold the highest regard for due process, equity, and professionalism. I remain fully committed to ensuring that all administrative decisions, including staff postings and transfers, are carried out strictly in accordance with laid-down rules and regulations, and without prejudice,” the statement stressed.
“I deeply value the trust reposed in me and remain dedicated to serving the people of the Greater Accra Region with integrity, fairness, and accountability.”
