Leaders from Ghana’s five northern regions have called for the resignation or dismissal of Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, following controversial comments suggesting that postings to northern Ghana could serve as a form of punishment for public officials.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on May 6, 2026, by Bernard Mornah on behalf of representatives from the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions. The group described the remarks as “a reckless affront to the dignity of an entire people.”
“Northern Ghana is not—and will never be—a penal destination for administrative discipline,” the statement declared, emphasising the region’s historical, cultural, and national significance.
The controversy stems from comments made by the Minister during a demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar Site on May 5, 2026. In addressing sanctions for officials who issue permits for illegal structures, she referenced postings to the north as a disciplinary measure.
“If you issue a permit to an illegal structure… some of them have been transferred to the north, just to serve as a kind of punishment for them,” she stated.
The remarks triggered widespread public criticism after circulating on social media, with many accusing the Minister of disparaging northern Ghana. She later issued an apology, describing the statement as a “genuine slip in communication” and insisting it did not reflect government policy or official administrative practice.
“I offer my unreserved apology to all Ghanaians, especially my brothers and sisters in the Northern Regions,” she said.
However, the northern regional coalition rejected the apology as insufficient. They argued that it failed to adequately address the gravity of the remarks and called for stronger accountability measures.
The statement further referenced the political legacy of former President John Dramani Mahama, arguing that the Minister’s comments were particularly inappropriate given perceived historical ties between his leadership and northern Ghana.
“For a beneficiary of such leadership to publicly demean the region is not only ironic, but also reflects poor judgment,” the group added.
The coalition outlined three key demands: a formal engagement between the Minister and traditional authorities in the northern regions, her resignation or dismissal, and a renewed government commitment to national cohesion and equal respect across all regions.
The issue has also generated divergent political reactions. Hamza Suhuyini described the comments as “distasteful and unfortunate,” while Dennis Miracles Aboagye argued that an apology alone is inadequate and called for her resignation.
