Greater Accra Regional Minister is not performing — Kwame Owusu Danso
The 2024 vice presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, Kwame Owusu Danso, has criticised the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, describing her as ineffective following her controversial remarks on public sector transfers.
His comments come after the Minister suggested that recalcitrant public servants could be transferred to northern Ghana as a form of punishment.
The Minister made the remarks on Tuesday, May 5, during a demolition exercise targeting illegal structures in Accra, where she warned that officials who approve developments in unauthorised areas could be posted to the North.
The comments have since triggered widespread public backlash, with critics describing them as insensitive and reinforcing negative stereotypes about the northern regions.
Speaking on Accra-based Joy Prime on Thursday, Mr Owusu Danso said the Minister has failed to deliver on her mandate and has now worsened public perception through her statements.
“The minister is non-performing… she made so many promises, but it didn’t happen,” he stated.
He further criticised the framing of northern Ghana as a punishment destination, calling it unacceptable in public discourse.
“It’s unbelievable that sending someone to the northern region is being used as punishment… the northern region is not a prison,” he said.
Mr Owusu Danso added that public officials must be mindful of the weight of their words, especially when addressing national issues.
According to him, the comments reflect deep-seated stereotypes that should not be encouraged in modern governance.
While stopping short of calling for her removal, he urged the Minister to publicly apologise and take steps to avoid similar remarks in the future.
“I think she must come out and profusely apologise… and ensure that these things do not happen again,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister has since apologised, describing the comment as a slip in communication and clarifying that it does not reflect government policy on postings.
She also assured the public that administrative decisions, including transfers, are guided by established rules and procedures.