Do You Need Me to Organize Some Ga Women to Break the Locks?

Sabah Zita Benson, former Minister of Information, and former Ghana's Ambassador to Czech Republic

In a rather bold and dramatic turn of events, former Minister of Information, and former Ghana’s Ambassador to Czech Republic Sabah Zita Benson, has taken to social media to express her frustration over the refusal of the outgoing Managing Director of SIC, Ms. Hollister Duah-Yentumi, to vacate office following a change in government. In a now-viral Facebook post, Benson lambasted the former MD for what she described as an unnecessary legal battle aimed at clinging to a position that is no longer hers to hold. The controversy erupted after reports emerged that Duah-Yentumi had not only refused to hand over to the newly appointed MD, James Agyenim-Boateng, but had also taken a rather drastic step of locking her office and allegedly bolting with the keys.

In response, Benson questioned the rationale behind the former MD’s actions, emphasizing that even the President and the party that appointed her had left office, and therefore, it was only logical that she follows suit."Madam SIC has run to unanimous 7 for protection. She doesn’t understand that the President hires and fires," Benson asserted in her Facebook post. She went further to offer a rather unconventional solution to the impasse, asking the newly appointed MD if he required her assistance in mobilizing Ga women to physically break the locks to the office."Do you need me to organize some Ga women to go break the locks?" she inquired; a statement that has since generated mixed reactions from the public.

Legal and Political Implications
The refusal of Duah-Yentumi to step aside has reignited conversations around the politicization of public offices in Ghana. The practice of political appointees resisting transitions is not new, and this incident brings to the fore the legal and ethical considerations surrounding such disputes. While Duah-Yentumi has filed a suit seeking to restrain Agyenim-Boateng from assuming office, legal experts argue that such moves, though within her rights, rarely hold in cases where appointments are tied to political tenures. Political transitions in Ghana have historically been marred by similar standoffs, with outgoing officials occasionally dragging their feet, seeking legal redress, or resisting handovers. Benson’s approach, however, is an unorthodox one—calling on a specific ethnic group, in this case, Ga women, to intervene in what is essentially a political and legal issue.

Public Reaction: A Call for Due Process or Political Showmanship?

Benson’s remarks have sparked divided opinions. Some believe her frustration is justified, arguing that once a political tenure ends, appointees should gracefully exit office rather than resorting to legal gymnastics. Others, however, criticize her choice of words and the suggestion of using a group of women to forcibly remove locks, arguing that such rhetoric only fuels unnecessary tensions. Many have taken to social media to debate the issue, with some questioning whether this approach aligns with democratic principles. “The law must take its course, but inciting people to break locks is not the way to go,” a social media user commented. Some also view Benson’s comments as a reflection of the challenges women in leadership face, especially when transitions occur. Others, however, argue that her approach undermines the professionalism expected in governance.

The Way Forward
While the standoff at SIC continues to unfold, it is imperative that political appointees recognize the temporary nature of their roles. Institutions like SIC are public assets, and leadership transitions should be smooth and devoid of theatrics. As legal processes take their course, it remains to be seen whether Duah-Yentumi will step down voluntarily or if further legal battles will ensue.For Benson, her readiness to mobilize Ga women for action raises broader questions about political discourse in Ghana. Is this an instance of standing up for accountability, or is it a case of political grandstanding? Regardless of the interpretations, one thing is clear—the drama at SIC has captured national attention, and how it concludes will set an important precedent for future political transitions in Ghana.